Check accepting and cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method

ABSTRACT

An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. The authority of the user is determined based on the user being associated in a data store with the maker of the check. The check cannot exceed certain programmed thresholds or be presented earlier than the expiration of a delay period from when a prior check from the same maker is presented. In exchange for acceptable checks cash is dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) ofProvisional Application No. 60/504,776 filed Sep. 17, 2003; ProvisionalApplication No. 60/504,282 filed Sep. 17, 2003; Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/503,825 filed Sep. 22, 2003; Provisional Application No.60/537,581 filed Jan. 20, 2004; Provisional Application No. 60/537,795filed Jan. 20, 2004; Provisional Application No. 60/537,788 filed Jan.20, 2004; and Provisional Application No. 60/584,622 filed Jun. 29,2004. This application is also a Continuation-In-Part of co-pending U.S.application Ser. No. 09/723,304 filed Nov. 27, 2000, which claimsbenefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of Provisional Application No.60/167,996 filed Nov. 30, 1999. This application is also aContinuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/852,795 filed May25, 2004.

Said U.S. application Ser. No. 10/852,795 is a Continuation-In-Part ofU.S. application Ser. No. 09/992,357 filed Nov. 13, 2001 now U.S. Pat.No. 6,783,061 and a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No.10/426,068 filed Apr. 29, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,774,986.

Said U.S. application Ser. No. 09/992,357 claims benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/338,919 filed on Nov. 5, 2001. Said U.S.application Ser. No. 09/992,357 is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/911,329 filed Jul. 23, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No.6,607,081, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No.08/980,467 filed Nov. 28, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,413. Said U.S.application Ser. No. 09/992,357 is also a Continuation-In-Part of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/390,929 filed Sep. 7, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.6,331,000, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/100,758 filed Sep. 17, 1998. Said U.S. application Ser. No.09/992,357 is also a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No.09/664,698 filed Sep. 19, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,194, whichclaims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/155,281 filed Sep.21, 1999.

Said U.S. application Ser. No. 10/426,068 is a divisional of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/633,486 filed Aug. 7, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.6,573,983, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.09/135,384 filed Aug. 17, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,266, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/749,260 filed Nov.15, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,923,413.

The disclosures of all of the foregoing Applications are incorporatedherein by reference as if fully rewritten herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to cash dispensing automated banking machines.Specifically this invention relates to devices and systems which mayreceive deposits of sheets such as checks and/or other instruments, intoan automated banking machine.

BACKGROUND ART

Automated banking machines are known in the prior art. Automated bankingmachines are commonly used to carry out transactions such as dispensingcash, checking account balances, paying bills and/or receiving depositsfrom users. Other types of automated banking machines may be used topurchase tickets, to issue coupons, to present checks, to print scripand/or to carry out other functions either for a consumer or a serviceprovider. For purposes of this description any device which is used forcarrying out transactions involving transfers of value shall be referredto as an automated banking machine.

Automated banking machines often have the capability of acceptingdeposits from users. Such deposits may include items such as envelopescontaining checks, credit slips, currency, coin or other items of value.Mechanisms have been developed for receiving such items from the userand transporting them into a secure compartment within the bankingmachine. Periodically a service provider may access the interior of themachine and remove the deposited items. The content and/or value of thedeposited items are verified so that a credit may be properly applied toan account of the user or other entity on whose behalf the deposit hasbeen made. Such depositories often include printing devices which arecapable of printing identifying information on the deposited item. Thisidentifying information enables the source of the item to be tracked andcredit for the item correlated with the proper account after the item isremoved from the machine.

Many automated banking machines accept deposits from users in envelopes.Because the contents of the envelope are not verified at the time ofdeposit, the user's account generally is not credited for the deposituntil the envelope is retrieved from the machine and the contentsthereof verified. Often this must be done by persons who work for afinancial institution. Delays in crediting a user's account may beexperienced due to delays in removing deposits from machines, as well asthe time it takes to review deposited items and enter appropriatecredits. If the deposited items include instruments such as checks,further delays may be experienced. This is because after the instrumentsare removed from the machine they must be presented for payment to theappropriate institution. If the instrument is not honored or invalid thedepositing customer's account cannot be credited for the deposit.Alternatively in situations where a credit has been made for a depositedinstrument that is subsequently dishonored, the user's account must becharged the amount of the credit previously given. In addition the usercommonly incurs a “bad check” fee due to the cost associated with theinstitution having to handle a dishonored deposit. All of thesecomplications may result in delays and inconvenience to the user.

Another risk associated with conventional depositories in automatedbanking machines is that deposited items may be misappropriated. Becausedeposited checks and other instruments are not cancelled at the time ofreceipt by the automated banking machine, they may be stolen from themachine and cashed by unauthorized persons. Criminals may attempt tobreak into the machine to obtain the items that have been stored in thedepository. Alternatively persons responsible for transporting itemsfrom the machine or persons responsible for verifying the items maymisappropriate deposited instruments and currency. Alternatively thehandling required for transporting and verifying the contents ofdeposits may result in deposited instruments being lost. Suchcircumstances can result in the user not receiving proper credit fordeposited items.

To reduce many of the drawbacks associated with conventionaldepositories which receive deposits in the form of envelopes or otheritems, automated devices that can read and cancel deposited instrumentshave been developed. An example of such a device is shown in U.S. Pat.No. 5,540,425 which is owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of theAssignee of the present invention. Such devices are capable of readingthe coding on checks or other deposited items. For example bank checksinclude magnetic ink coding commonly referred to as “micr.” The micrcoding on a check can be used to identify the institution upon which thecheck is drawn. The coding also identifies the account number of theuser and the check number. This coding commonly appears in one orseveral areas on the instrument. Reading this coding in the automatedbanking machine enables the machine operator to determine the source ofchecks or other instruments that have been presented.

Imaging devices may also be used in processing instruments. Such imagingdevices may be used to produce data corresponding to an image of theitem that has been deposited. This image may be reviewed to determinethe nature of the deposited item, and along with the information thatcan be obtained from the coding on the instrument allows processing ofthe credit to the user much more readily. Automated instrumentprocessing systems also may provide the capability of printing anindication that the check or other instrument has been deposited andcancelled after it has been received. This reduces the risk that theinstrument will subsequently be misappropriated and cashed byunauthorized persons.

While automated deposit accepting and processing devices provide manyadvantages and benefits, existing devices may also have drawbacks. Onedrawback is that instruments must often be precisely aligned forpurposes of reading micr coding or other indicia which is included onthe instrument. This commonly requires special mechanisms to preciselyposition and align the instrument with the reading devices included inthe device. A further drawback associated with some existing devices isthat they are required to turn and reorient the deposited instrument.The mechanisms for doing this can be complex. Such complex mechanismsmay encounter reliability problems due to the precise tolerances thatmust be maintained. Further difficulty is added by the fact thatinstruments that are received may be creased, torn or soiled. Handlingsuch items may be difficult. Instruments becoming jammed in suchmechanisms may result in costly repairs and downtime.

A further drawback associated with some imaging systems in automatedbanking machines is that it is not practical to transmit an image of adeposited instrument for review and analysis at the time it is received.This is because the time and bandwidth necessary to capture and transmitan image of the deposited instrument may be longer than desirable.Extended transaction times may discourage the use of the machine. Afurther drawback is that even when images may be transmittedsufficiently quickly, the operator of the system is required to investin the resources necessary to analyze the transmitted image and make adetermination as to whether the deposited item should be accepted asvalid or not. Such capabilities may include employees who must reviewthe image and determine whether the item is genuine by comparison todata or other information such as examples of the customer's signature.Alternatively automated systems may be provided for analyzing the imageof the instrument or the data printed or typed thereon. Providing suchcapabilities may be costly for the systems operator. Advances inphotocopy technology also may make it difficult for operators of suchsystems to distinguish between genuine items and reproductions. As aresult even with carefully operated and administered systems there is arisk that deposited items which are not genuine may be accepted.

Certain standardized techniques have been developed for automatedbanking machine systems. The electronic message flows and formatscommonly used for ATMs for example do not include the capability oftransmitting a document image as part of the standard message whichrequests that a deposit transaction be authorized. As a result it hasbeen difficult to achieve real time check verification and cashing inwidely distributed systems. Further, in some systems it is difficult toreadily correlate an image file with the particular transaction withwhich the image file is associated.

A further drawback associated with some automated banking machinesystems is that they cannot be used by individuals who do not have bankaccounts. Generally automated banking machines require that depositeditems be credited to a user's existing account with a financialinstitution. The user generally has to wait several days before thedeposited item is verified and credited to the account. If the user doesnot have sufficient funds in the account to make a withdrawal, the usermust generally wait for the verification process to be completed beforethe money may be withdrawn. This makes the use of automated bankingmachines generally unsuitable for persons who do not have bank accountsand/or cannot wait several days for deposited items to be verified andcredited to their account.

A further drawback associated with some existing automated bankingmachine systems is that some operators of such systems may wish toretain the capability to accept deposits in the form of items such asenvelopes as well as checks and other instruments. Providing twoseparate depositories may add considerable cost and complexity to themachine. While mechanisms which can accept both single sheet-likeinstruments as well as envelopes have been developed, such mechanismsare often complex and unreliable. The capability of accepting both typesof deposits is difficult to achieve because deposited instruments andenvelopes may have varying thicknesses. The thickness of depositedenvelopes may also be nonuniform. This is particularly true when suchdeposited envelopes may include items such as folded sheets or coin.Such combined depositories may also suffer from having lower securitycapabilities than mechanisms which are designed to accept only one typeof deposit.

There is also often a desire to accept other types of documents inautomated banking machines. Such documents may include for exampleutility bills or other items or instruments associated with value, or aparticular account with which the customer may associate value or aparticular payment. Such instruments may have thicknesses and propertieswhich correspond to neither conventional checks or deposit envelopes. Inaddition the two-dimensional size of such items may also vary. Thispresents challenges for reliably handling such items. It may also bedesirable in some circumstances to be able to image items andinstruments which are associated with a customer. For example in somecircumstances it may be desirable to receive a customer's driver'slicense, social security card, immigration card or other document toverify the identity of the user. Current depository mechanisms do nothave the capability of reliably handling or imaging such items.

Thus there exists a need for a deposit accepting apparatus and systemfor use in connection with automated banking machines that has thecapability of handling and imaging more types of items, which may do somore reliably and which can be used in connection with more types oftransactions and systems.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention toprovide an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide an automated banking machine system and method thataccepts deposits and provides cash to a user.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a deposit accepting apparatus.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a deposit accepting apparatus for use in connectionwith an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a deposit accepting apparatus which can be used toaccept, image and verify the authenticity of items.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a deposit accepting apparatus that accepts bothsheets and envelopes.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a deposit accepting apparatus that can be used inexisting automated banking machine systems.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a deposit accepting apparatus that has greaterreliability.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a deposit accepting apparatus that is more compact.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide methods of accepting deposited items.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a method for verifying the authenticity ofdeposited items.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide a method for handling and storing deposited items.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention to provide an apparatus and method for correlating image andtransaction data to facilitate check processing.

Further objects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention willbe made apparent in the following Best Modes For Carrying Out Inventionand the appended claims.

The foregoing objects are accomplished in an exemplary embodiment by adeposit accepting apparatus and method used in connection with anautomated banking machine. The deposit accepting apparatus includes atransport section. The transport section includes a variable widthtransport which accepts items of variable thickness. Such items mayinclude relatively thin single sheet-like items and relatively thickirregular shaped items such as deposit envelopes. The transport sectionincludes a biasing mechanism for reliably engaging deposited items withmoving mechanisms such as belts or rollers in the transport section. Thedeposited items are reliably engaged with such moving members to assurethat the deposited item is moved through the transport section.

The exemplary transport section further includes a variable forcedriving section. The variable force driving section engages depositeditems. The variable force driving section enables limited slipengagement with a deposited item as it is being accepted into thetransport section. This enables a user presenting a document to avoiddamaging or tearing a document if they fail to release it when it isfirst engaged by the variable force transport section. Once a documentor other deposited item is sensed as having been moved sufficiently intothe transport, the apparatus operates to cause the variable forcetransport section to engage the item more positively and in a nonslipfashion for purposes of moving it in the transport. In embodiments ofthe invention an aligning device may work in conjunction with thevariable slip drive to aid in aligning documents with a transport path.

The exemplary transport section further includes an analysis moduleadjacent thereto. In the exemplary embodiment the analysis module servesas an imaging device and is operative to analyze documents passingthrough the transport section. In the exemplary embodiment the analysismodule is operative to enable the generation of image datarepresentative of an image of the document. In addition the analysismodule is operative to sense for features and characteristics of thedocument which may be used to identify the document type. Alternativelyor in addition the analysis module may operate to sense properties of adeposited document which distinguish acceptable or genuine documentsfrom unacceptable documents.

In the exemplary embodiment the transport section of the depositaccepting apparatus is connected to a deposit holding module. Thedeposit holding module includes at least two compartments therein. Inthe exemplary embodiment the deposit holding module operates to move thecompartments relative to the transport section and to selectively placean outlet from the transport section in communication with a desired oneof the compartments. For example when an envelope type deposit isaccepted in the transport section, the deposit holding module operatesso that the envelope is moved through the transport and deposited into acompartment which is adapted for holding envelopes. Alternatively when acheck or other sheet-like deposit is moved through the transportsection, the deposit holding module operates so that the sheet movesfrom the transport section into a compartment which is designated forholding the particular type of sheet.

In an exemplary embodiment described herein, a deposit acceptingapparatus and method is used in connection with an ATM. The ATM includesone or more computers therein (alternatively referred to herein asprocessors) which operate to control the transaction function deviceswithin the ATM including aspects of the deposit accepting apparatus.When a customer at the ATM wishes to deposit an envelope or similardeposit containing item in the machine, the controller enables thecustomer to place the deposited envelope in the machine so that it mayengage the transport section. The computer also operates so that thedeposit holding module places the compartment for holding depositedenvelopes in communication with the transport section. The user isenabled to engage the deposit envelope with the variable force drivingsection which the computer causes to operate in a limited slip mode.Once the computer senses that the deposit envelope has been moved intothe transport section the variable force driving section may becontrolled so that the envelope is more positively engaged with themoving members in the transport. The deposit envelope is then movedthrough the transport past the analysis module.

In the exemplary embodiment as the deposit envelope passes through thetransport section the computer causes a printing mechanism to printidentifying information on the envelope. The exemplary embodiment of theinvention includes a printing mechanism which senses that the envelopehas moved into proximity with the printing mechanism. In response tosensing this condition the computer causes the printing mechanism tomove relative to the envelope so that printing may be reliably conductedthereon. The movement of the printing mechanism provides greaterassurance that the envelope will not catch on or be damaged by theprinter mechanism. Once printing has been conducted, the computer causesthe printing mechanism to be returned to a standby condition.

Upon passing through the transport section the deposited envelope passesinto the designated compartment. The entrance to the designatedcompartment is aligned with the outlet from the transport sectionthrough operation of the deposit holding module. Once the depositedenvelope has passed into the compartment within the module it is heldtherein until accessed by authorized personnel. Suitable lockingmechanisms and security procedures are provided so that only authorizedpersonnel are enabled to access the deposit. The identifying informationthat is printed on the envelope enables the association of the depositeditems with the particular customer or user of the automated bankingmachine.

In the exemplary embodiment when the user wishes to deposit aninstrument such as a check, the automated banking machine operates toverify the authenticity of the check and to read data therefrom. Inresponse to the user first providing appropriate identifying inputs andinformation, the computer in the ATM operates to enable a deposited itemto engage the transport section of the apparatus. The computer operatessuch that the deposited item is initially engaged in a limited slipmanner by the variable force driving section and once sensed assubstantially within the transport, operates to move the check in agenerally nonslip manner.

The deposited item is moved in the transport section in the exemplaryembodiment in a first direction past sensors which enable the computerto determine its length. Once the length of the deposited item isdetermined by moving it in the first direction, movement of thedeposited item is stopped and the item is transported in an opposeddirection past the analysis module. In the exemplary embodiment movementof the check past the analysis module enables the collection of data toprovide an image of the check as well as the sensing of magneticproperties in areas thereof. The exemplary form of the invention doesnot require that the deposited check be perfectly aligned in thetransport section for reading the check.

In an exemplary embodiment the computer operates responsive to inputsprovided by the customer or responsive to other actions to recall frommemory data representative of a template which shows the layout ofinformation included on the particular type of item being deposited. Thecomputer operates to adjust the image data gathered from the depositeditem and to place it in correspondence with the template. Characters arethen analyzed from at least one selected area of the image in accordancewith the template to determine if such characters can be accuratelyidentified. If the computer determines that these particular characterscannot be accurately identified the image data is then moved relative toa template and further attempts are made to determine if data from thearea of the template can be recognized. In the exemplary embodiment thedata corresponding to the image of the check may be moved 180° relativeto the first attempt. In this way if the check is deposited in forexample, a face up orientation, either of two possible orientations forthe check may be quickly analyzed. Of course alternative approaches maybe used and if after a set number of attempts it is determined that thedata from a particular area of the check cannot be analyzed with asufficient degree of assurance, further attempts may be discontinued andthe deposited item returned to the customer.

Once data from at least one area of the deposited item is determinedwith a sufficient level of assurance, data from at least one other areaof the item as determined by the template may be analyzed. In the caseof a check the ATM is operative to determine the amount of the check aswritten in the courtesy amount area. The computer operates to analyzethe characters and determine if the amount can be determined with asufficient level of assurance. In the exemplary embodiment the computeroperates to locate and identify the courtesy amount using certainlandmark rules which identify the landscape and layout of the courtesyamount area. If the computer decides that the characters in the courtesyamount area may be determined with a sufficient level of assurance,further processing of the check is enabled to be conducted. In thealternative if the amount cannot be read with a sufficient level ofassurance, the deposited check may be returned to the customer.

In the exemplary embodiment the computer operates to analyze thecharacters in the micr line on the check as well as the courtesy amount.This data provides both the data sufficient to identify the institutionon which the check is drawn as well as the account number of the entityon whose account the check is drawn. The micr line also includes datarepresentative of the check number and other information. The courtesyamount which is analyzed in the exemplary embodiment indicates theamount of the check which has been presented. This information is oftensufficient for a financial institution or other entity operating theautomated banking machine to charge the appropriate entity for theamount of the check presented. In alternative embodiments the computermay operate to analyze characters located in the area of the check inwhich the legal amount is written. The amount determined as the legalamount of the check may then be compared to the courtesy amount forpurposes of determining whether both amounts have been read properly.Alternatively or in addition, the micr line on the check may includeamount data in the case of some checks. In these cases the computer mayoperate to conduct additional comparisons between the analyzed amountsto verify that the amounts correspond and therefore have been readaccurately, or to determine discrepancies that may indicate that a checkhas been tampered with or other conditions that may suggest that it isnot advisable for the machine to accept such a check.

In the exemplary embodiment the depository apparatus is also operativeto sense for the presence of magnetic coding in appropriate locations onthe check. For example the computer is operative to verify that the inkin the area which has been identified as including the micr coding hasmagnetic properties. This provides greater assurance that the documentpresented is in fact a genuine check and not a photocopy of a check. Thecomputer may operate in addition to sense magnetic or other propertiesfrom various areas appropriate for the deposited document depending ondata stored in memory. Further in some alternative embodiments thecomputer may operate to look for magnetic or other properties in areasof the check where such properties would not be appropriate. Suchsensing may reduce the risk of the machine accepting fraudulent checks.Of course, other embodiments may include a read head or other device forreading micr line data magnetically.

In some embodiments the machine may operate to capture a complete imageof one or both sides of each check or other instrument. In someembodiments image data may be stored in correlated relation with datarelated to the transaction at the machine. In some embodiments the imagedata, with or without associated transaction data, may be delivered bythe machine to appropriate computers so that check processing may beconducted using the electronic image of the check rather than paperdocuments. In some embodiments check images may be stored at the machineand later delivered to appropriate systems for check processing. Inother alternative embodiments check images may be transmitted to othercomputers during the transaction so that such computers may furtheranalyze the check image data.

In an exemplary embodiment the computer operating in the ATM isoperative to include data representative of the check data correspondingto information corresponding to indicia on the check such as amount andmicr line data into an electronic message requesting authorization ofthe ATM transaction. This authorization message is transmitted to anappropriate host computer. The computer analyzes the data to verify thatthe user operating the ATM is authorized to conduct a deposit, checkcashing or other transaction. In addition the host computer may operateto verify that the check data corresponds to data input by the customer.The host computer may further operate to determine or communicate withother computers to verify that the account data corresponding to thecheck corresponds to a valid account, that the check is not subject to astop payment order and/or that there are sufficient funds in the accountupon which the presented check is drawn to provide payment therefor.

In response to the host computer determining that the requested checkcashing transaction is suitable to be carried forward, an authorizationmessage is returned from the host computer to the ATM. The ATM operatesresponsive to instruction data included in the authorization message tocause the check to be moved through the transport section past theprinting mechanism. The printing mechanism operates to print indicia onthe check. This data represented by the indicia may indicate that thecheck has been cancelled as well as indicate the particular account ofthe user to which the check has been credited. In an exemplaryembodiment the printing mechanism operates in the manner previouslydiscussed to move into position in response to sensing the checkadjacent thereto. This again minimizes the risk of damage to theprinting mechanism or the check.

The computer also operates to control the deposit holding module suchthat the appropriate compartment therein accepts the deposited check. Inthe exemplary system the deposit holding module moves the compartmentfor holding the check into alignment with the outlet of the transportsection. The deposited check is then held within the compartment untilit is accessed by authorized personnel. Further, in the exemplaryembodiment the deposit holding module is operative after receipt of thecheck into the appropriate compartment to move a tamping member in thecompartment. The tamping member operates to assure that the depositedcheck as well as other checks in the compartment are properly tampedinto position so as to reduce the likelihood of interference withacceptance of subsequent checks. The deposited check is then held in theappropriate compartment until removed by authorized personnel.

In some exemplary embodiments the authorization message received fromthe host computer by the ATM includes transaction identifying data. Suchtransaction identifying data may include information which facilitatesassociating the image or images of the check captured by the ATM withthe particular transaction. Such transaction identifying data mayinclude data that is sent by the ATM to the host computer in theoriginal request message as well as data that may be assigned by the ATMhost to the transaction. For example in an exemplary embodimenttransaction identification data includes data which identifies theparticular terminal at which the transaction is being conducted. Suchinformation corresponds to the terminal identification data that isincluded in the message received by the ATM host from the terminalrequesting the transaction. In addition in some alternative embodimentsthe transaction identification data may include information correlatedwith a particular user such as the user's name and/or accountinformation. Such information may also be included in the messagereceived by the ATM host from the terminal. Further in exemplaryembodiments the transaction identification data may include informationsuch as the business date assigned by the ATM host to the transaction,the entity responsible for operating the ATM such as a particularinstitution or business establishment, transaction numbers such as asequence number as well as a pseudo number which can be used forcorrelating and/or verifying transaction data. Of course these items oftransaction identification data are exemplary and in other exemplaryembodiments other or different data may be used.

In an exemplary embodiment the ATM is programmed to correlate thetransaction identification data with the image data related to theparticular check received in the transaction. At a time after the ATMhas generated data corresponding to an image of the check, an imagemessage is generated by the ATM and sent to a remote computer. In theexemplary embodiment the image message includes the transactionidentification data as well as the data representative of the front andback of the check in a single message. In the exemplary embodiment theimage message is sent to an image server which is operative to receiveand process the image and transaction data. The image server isoperative to tabularize the transaction data related to machinesoperated by a particular entity and to make the information and imagesrelated to transactions conducted by ATMs associated with that entityavailable to authorized individuals. This may be done through passwordprotection, digital certificates or other security methodologies.Further in other alternative embodiments the image server or otherconnected computers may be operative to send information included in theimage message and/or image data to a clearing house or other institutionfor purposes of achieving settlement between an entity upon which thecheck is drawn and another entity holding an account for an entity towhich the check is payable. Further the image data may be transmittedand processed in lieu of a paper check so as to return evidence relatedto the proper cashing and cancellation of the check through theinstitution on which the check is drawn, and eventually to the maker ofthe check. Of course these approaches are exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

While the exemplary embodiment is used for accepting envelopes andchecks, other embodiments of the invention may accept only checks or mayprocess other types of instruments. These include for example utilitybills, drivers' licenses, gaming materials, tax documents and otheritems. Such items may be analyzed by the analysis module described inthe exemplary embodiment for image and magnetic properties.Alternatively such items may be analyzed for other properties which maybe indicative of their genuineness and value. Further as can beappreciated, while the exemplary embodiment accepts deposited items intothe machine, other embodiments of the invention may accept items from auser, analyze them and return them to the user. This includes not onlyitems which are considered unacceptable as is discussed in the exemplaryembodiment, but may also include items such as drivers' licenses whichare returned to the user after an image or analysis is made thereof.Numerous types of systems and activities are encompassed within thescope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary automated banking machinewhich may be used in connection with a deposit accepting apparatus andmethod.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of components included within an automatedbanking machine of the type shown in FIG. 1 and a system in which theautomated banking machine is used.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of software components used in connectionwith the automated banking machine shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a deposit accepting apparatus used inconnection with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the deposit accepting apparatus shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the deposit accepting apparatus shown in FIG. 4with the analysis module removed therefrom.

FIG. 7 is a side schematic view showing the transport portion of thedeposit accepting apparatus in a position in which it accepts checks andother sheets.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 with the deposit accepting module inposition for accepting envelopes or other items.

FIG. 9 is a side schematic view of the variable force driving sectionincluded in the transport section of the deposit accepting apparatuswith the drive shown in condition for providing limited slip engagementwith deposited items.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 but with the variable force drivingsection providing generally nonslip engagement with deposited items.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the deposit holding module of the transportapparatus shown in a position accepting a sheet into a sheet holdingcompartment.

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 but with the deposit holding modulein a condition for accepting an envelope deposit into an envelopeholding compartment.

FIG. 13 is an opposite side view of the deposit holding module from thatshown in FIG. 11 with a tamping member in a position for accepting entryof a sheet into the sheet holding compartment.

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 but with the tamping memberdisposed downward to tamp sheets held in the compartment.

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 but with an access door to thesheet holding compartment in an open position.

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 14 but with the tamping memberdisposed upward from the sheet holding compartment to enable a user toaccess sheets therein.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a printing mechanism used in connection withthe deposit accepting apparatus shown in FIG. 4 with the printer shownin a non-printing position.

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 17 but with the printing mechanismshown in a printing condition.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of hardware and software components used inconnection with the deposit accepting apparatus and the automatedbanking machine of the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of the interaction of components used inconnection with accepting documents in the deposit accepting mechanism.

FIGS. 21–25 are schematic views representing a series of steps executedthrough use of the deposit accepting apparatus in connection withaccepting a check in the machine.

FIG. 26 is a top schematic view of the exemplary deposit acceptingapparatus showing a document accepted therein in a skewed position.

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a check adjacent an analysis module inthe deposit accepting apparatus of the exemplary embodiment and thedevices used for sensing magnetic properties thereof.

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of an exemplary magnetic profile generatedby the document shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is an exemplary logic flow executed by an automated bankingmachine in accepting an envelope deposit through the deposit acceptingapparatus.

FIGS. 30–33 describe an exemplary embodiment of the logic flow executedby an automated banking machine in accepting a check through the depositaccepting apparatus.

FIG. 34 is a schematic view showing how data representative of an imageof a deposited instrument is modified and aligned in an exemplaryembodiment for purposes of analysis.

FIG. 35 is a schematic view of the application of a template for aparticular type of deposited instrument to image data for an instrumentdeposited to the deposit accepting apparatus of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a top plan view of an alternative form of the variable forcedriving section included in the transport section of the depositaccepting apparatus which includes a document alignment device.

FIG. 37 is a side schematic view corresponding to FIG. 36 showing themechanism actuating the variable force driving section and documentalignment device.

FIG. 38 is a schematic view of an alternative system of an exemplaryembodiment including check accepting automated banking machines.

FIG. 39 is an exemplary screen output provided from an administratorstation of the system shown in FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is an exemplary screen output from an administrator station,showing the status of automated banking machines.

FIG. 41 is an exemplary screen output from an administration, showingstatus information related to a particular automated banking machine.

FIG. 42 is an exemplary output from an administrator station whichenables an administrator to recover transaction information from theexemplary system.

FIG. 43 is an exemplary output from an administrator station showingcheck cashing transactions conducted by a particular customer.

FIG. 44 is an exemplary screen output from an administrator stationshowing selections in an exemplary system.

FIG. 45 is an exemplary screen output from an administrator stationshowing available reports.

FIG. 46 is an exemplary screen output from an administrator stationenabling an administrator to upload file information to the exemplarysystem.

FIG. 47 is an exemplary output from an administrator station indicatingthe upload of files to the exemplary system.

FIG. 48 is a schematic view of an exemplary record relating to makers ofchecks whose checks are to be cashed in the exemplary system.

FIG. 49 is an exemplary output from an administrator work stationshowing file conversion from the exemplary system.

FIG. 50 is an exemplary output from an administrator station which isused by an administrator to edit customer records.

FIG. 51 is an exemplary screen output produced by an administratorstation showing customer authorization information.

FIG. 52 is an exemplary screen output from an administrator stationshowing information regarding a particular attempted check cashingtransaction.

FIGS. 53 through 57 include a schematic representation of the logic flowexecuted by computers in the exemplary system shown in FIG. 38.

FIGS. 58 through 60 are a table showing various criteria programmed inthe exemplary system for the denial of transactions attempted atautomated banking machines within the system.

FIG. 61 is a schematic view of an alternative system for processingcheck transaction data and image data related to checks received throughautomated banking machines.

FIG. 62 is a schematic view of the logic flow associated with a checkaccepting transaction conducted at an exemplary automated bankingmachine used in connection with the system represented in FIG. 61.

FIG. 63 is a table showing exemplary transaction identifying dataassociated with check images in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 64 is a table showing exemplary fields and the content thereof inan image message sent from an ATM to an image server in an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 65 is an exemplary interface screen presented by an image server topersons who may be seeking to access transaction and image data in anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 66 is an exemplary interface screen presented by the image serverto require users to identify themselves as properly authorized to accesstransaction and image data.

FIG. 67 is an exemplary output from the image server through which auser is enabled to access check transaction and image data;

FIG. 68 is an exemplary interface output from the image server whichenables authorized users to recover transaction and image data relatedto transactions.

FIG. 69 is an exemplary table of transaction data corresponding to checkcashing transactions conducted at ATMs associated with a particularentity operating ATMs.

FIG. 70 is an exemplary output from the check image server representingan image of a check which is produced responsive to selecting an iconassociated with a corresponding transaction in the table shown in FIG.69.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is showntherein an exemplary embodiment of an automated banking machine 10 whichincludes an exemplary deposit accepting apparatus and which performs anexemplary methods of operation. Automated banking machine 10 is an ATM.However it should be understood that the inventive concepts disclosedherein may be used in connection with various types of automated bankingmachines and devices of other types. Automated banking machine 10includes a user interface generally indicated 12. User interface 12includes input and output devices. In the exemplary embodiment the inputdevices include a plurality of function buttons 14 through which a usermay provide inputs to the machine. The exemplary input devices furtherinclude a keypad 16 through which a user may provide numeric or otherinputs. A further input device in this exemplary embodiment includes acard reader schematically indicated 18. Card reader 18 may be of thetype used for reading magnetic stripe cards, smart cards, RFID tokens orother articles presented by a user. Another input device on theexemplary machine includes an image capture device 20. The image capturedevice may be a camera or other device for capturing the image of a useror the surroundings of the machine. The exemplary embodiment may includebiometric reading devices. Such devices may include an imaging orreading device such as a fingerprint reader, iris scan device, retinascan device or other biometric input. It should be understood that thecamera mentioned may serve as a biometric reading device in someembodiments.

The user interface 12 also includes output devices. In the exemplaryembodiment the output devices include a display 22. Display 22 includesa visual output device such as a CRT or LCD for providing messages andprompts to a user. These messages and prompts may be responded to byinputs from the user through the function buttons 14 adjacent to thedisplay or by inputs through the keypad 16 or through other inputs. Afurther output device in the exemplary embodiment includes an audiooutput device schematically indicated 24. The audio output device may beused to provide audible outputs to the user. A further output device inthe exemplary embodiment includes a printer. The printer may be used toprovide outputs in the form of receipts or other items or information tothe user. The printer is in connection with a printer outlet in the userinterface indicated 26 in FIG. 1.

It should be understood that the input and output devices shown areexemplary and in other embodiments of the invention other types of inputand output devices may be used. Such input and output devices commonlyreceive information which is usable to identify the customer and/ortheir accounts. Such devices are also operative to provide informationto a user and to receive instructions from a user concerningtransactions which are to be carried out through use of the machine.Various forms of user interfaces and input and output devices may beused in connection with embodiments of the invention.

In the exemplary embodiment ATM 10 includes a cash dispensing mechanismwhich is alternatively referred to herein as a cash dispenser. The cashdispensing mechanism is selectively operated to enable the dispensing ofcash to authorized users of the machine. Cash is provided to the usersthrough a cash outlet indicated 28. A further feature of the exemplaryembodiment of the invention is the ability to accept deposits throughthe ATM. The machine includes a deposit accepting opening 30. In theexemplary embodiment the ATM is enabled to accept deposits in the formof sheets, envelopes and other items as later discussed.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the computer architecture associatedwith ATM 10 and a first exemplary system in which it is used. The ATMincludes one or more computers therein, which computers arealternatively referred to herein as a processor or processors. The oneor more computers in the exemplary embodiment are schematicallyrepresented by a terminal processor 32. The terminal processor is inoperative connection with one or more data stores schematicallyrepresented 34. The terminal processor may comprise one or morecomputers that operate to control transaction function devices 36 whichare included in the ATM. These transaction function devices includedevices which operate in the ATM to carry out transactions. Transactionfunction devices may include, for example, currency dispensingmechanisms, currency presenters, currency acceptors, currencyvalidators, item dispensing devices, card readers, printers,depositories, other input and output devices and other devices.Transaction function devices may further include cameras, sensors, imagecapture devices and other items. The particular character of thetransaction function devices depends on the particular capabilities forcarrying out transactions to be provided by the ATM.

In the exemplary embodiment ATM 10 exchanges messages through acommunications interface 38 with a communications network 40. Network 40may be one or more types of data communications networks, including aphone line, data line, lease line, frame relay, wireless network,telecommunications network or other medium for communicating messages toand from the ATM 10. The communications interface provided is suitableto work in connection with the particular type of network(s) to whichthe machine is connected. In the exemplary embodiment the ATM may beconnected to a network which communicates with a plurality of ATMs suchas Cirrus® or Plus®, or other debit card network. Of course in otherembodiments other suitable networks for processing credit, debit orother types of online transactions may be used including the Internet.

As schematically represented in FIG. 2, network 40 is in operativeconnection with one or more host computers 42. Host computers 42 in theexemplary embodiment are operative to authorize transaction requestswhich are made by users at the ATM 10. The ATM is operative to deliverto the host computer data identifying the user and/or their account andthe particular transactions that they wish to conduct. The request isrouted through the network to a host computer that can evaluate and/orauthorize the request. The appropriate host computer receives andanalyzes this data and returns to the ATM a message which indicateswhether the transaction requested is authorized to be conducted at themachine. The message returned may also include one or more instructionsthat cause the ATM to carry out one or more transaction functions. Inresponse to receiving a message indicating that the transaction shouldproceed, the processor in the ATM operates the transaction functiondevices to carry out the requested transaction. If the transaction isnot authorized, the user is so informed through the display and thetransaction is prevented. The ATM is also operative in the exemplaryembodiment to send to the host computer authorizing the transaction, acompletion message which includes data indicative of whether thetransaction was able to be carried out successfully. Upon receiving theinformation that the transaction was carried out, the host computer isoperative to take appropriate action such as to credit or debit a user'saccount. It should be understood that this system shown in FIG. 2 isexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches to operatingautomated banking machines and authorizing transactions may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment the transaction function devices include adeposit accepting apparatus. The exemplary deposit accepting apparatusis capable of accepting deposited items such as envelopes as well assheets and documents such as checks. This deposit accepting apparatus inalternative embodiments may be capable of accepting and analyzing otheritems such as papers, instruments, billing statements, invoices,vouchers, wagering slips, receipts, scrip, payment documents, driver'slicenses, cards and items which may be moved in the deposit acceptingdevice. Alternative embodiments may accept only selected ones of suchitems. The exemplary deposit accepting apparatus may alternatively bereferred to herein as an “intelligent depository module,” “depositorymodule” or “IDM.” The exemplary embodiment of the IDM is referred toherein as 44 and the exemplary mechanical components thereof shown inFIGS. 4–18.

As shown in FIG. 4 IDM 44 includes a transport section 46. Transportsection 46 extends in generally a straight path from an inlet 48 to anoutlet 50. Inlet 48 is positioned adjacent to a deposit acceptingopening 30 through the body of the ATM 10. Access to the transportsection 46 from the outside of the ATM may be controlled by a gate 52 orother suitable blocking mechanism which operates under the control ofthe terminal processor 32. The terminal processor operates to open thegate only when an authorized user of the ATM is to provide items to orto receive items from the transport section of the IDM.

The transport section 46 of the IDM includes a plurality of belts orother moving members 54. Moving members 54 operate to engage itemsdeposited into the transport section and to move deposited items inengagement therewith. The moving members are moved in response to one ormore drives schematically indicated 56. In the exemplary embodiment aninlet transport section 58 moves deposited items between upper and lowerbelt flights (see FIG. 5). Similarly, deposited items are also movedthrough an outlet transport section 60 in sandwiched relation betweenupper and lower belt flights. Between the inlet and outlet transportsections deposited items are moved past an analysis module 62. In theexemplary embodiment deposited items are moved adjacent to the analysismodule in engagement with moving members that act on the lower side ofthe deposited item. In this way the deposited item moves in closeproximity to the analysis module and in sandwiched relation between alower face 64 of the analysis module and the upper face of the movingmembers. Of course it should be understood that this configuration isexemplary. For example, in other embodiments additional analysis modulesmay be provided so that both sides of an item are analyzed. Analysismodules or discrete devices for activating indicia to facilitatesensing, as well as for sensing indicia on items, may be provided asnecessary to read indicia from items handled by the banking machine.

As represented in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the exemplary embodiment the depositaccepting apparatus is enabled to accept both relatively thin articlessuch as sheets as well as relatively thick items such as depositenvelopes. As shown in FIG. 7 thin articles such as checks or othersheets are moved through the transport section with the upper and lowermoving members in close proximity. In the exemplary embodiment, theupper portion of the transport section is movable relative to the lowersection and is biased adjacent thereto by gravity or other suitablebiasing mechanism. In this way a relatively thin deposited item isbiased to engage the moving members in the transport section. Relativelythin articles such as checks and other sheets are moved between theinlet 48 and the outlet 50 in the transport section with the transportin the configuration generally shown in FIG. 7. In this configurationthe moving members and analysis module in the upper portion of thetransport section are biased to maintain engagement with the sheet so asto enable selectively moving the sheet through the transport section.

It should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment of the depositorymodule a single drive is used for moving the moving members in both theupper and lower transport sections. This is accomplished in theexemplary embodiment through use of a connecting gear train 66 whichserves as a transmission device which transmits movement between thelower belt flights and the upper belt flights. A connecting drive belt68 is used to transmit movement between the upper portions of the inletand outlet transport sections 58, 60 respectively. The connecting drivebelt extends adjacent to the analysis module 62. Of course this approachis exemplary and in other embodiments other arrangements of drives andtransmission devices may be used.

As represented in FIG. 8 when a relatively larger item is deposited intothe transport section, the upper and lower transport sections areenabled to separate to a degree sufficient to accommodate the thicknessof the particular item. The configuration of the gear train 66 enablesproviding moving force to the moving members in both upper and lowersections of the transport within a relatively wide range of thicknesses.The exemplary structure further enables each end of the transportsection to move both vertically and rotationally relative to one anotherwhile still continuing to reliably transport items therein. An inserteddeposited item overcomes the biasing force applied to the deposited itemby the transport sections to enable the item to move between the upperand lower moving members that bound the path 53 between the inlet 48 andoutlet 50. The biasing force further enables providing positiveengagement with the deposited item to reliably move the item along thepath. It should be understood however that this particular configurationfor the transport is exemplary and in other embodiments of the inventionother approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment the inlet transport section 58 may beoperated responsive to the terminal processor as a variable forcedriving section. This is achieved through use of the mechanismschematically represented in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9 the inlettransport section includes moving members comprising one or more upperbelt flights 70 and one or more lower belt flights 72 in generallyopposed facing relation. The number of upper and lower belt flights willdepend on the particular configuration of the transport used. In certainembodiments the upper and lower belt flights may be in generally alignedfacing relation or may be transversely disposed from one another.

The upper belt flight 70 which serves as a moving member is supported onan upper roller 74. The lower belt flight 72 is supported on a lowerroller 76 which is generally disposed in opposed relation below roller74 and which serves as an opposed moving member. Upper roller 74 isjournaled on a supporting member 78. Supporting member 78 is supportedthrough and is rotatable about a pivot axis 79 which extends axiallythrough support shaft segments 80. An actuator 82 such as a solenoidselectively moves the supporting member between the position shown inFIG. 9 and the position shown in FIG. 10. This is done in response tooperation of the terminal processor 32 and enables the inlet transportsection to be selectively changed between a low drive position in whichlimited slip is provided between the belt flights 70 and 72 and adeposited item, and a high drive position in which generally no slipoccurs between the belt flights and the deposited item.

FIG. 9 shows the inlet transport section in the low drive position. Inthe exemplary embodiment roller 74 is supported through roller shaftsegments 84. Shaft segments 84 are journaled in and movable in elongatedU-shaped slots 86 in connection with supporting member 78. Each slot 86is bounded by a U-shaped bounding surface 87. The slots are generallyradially aligned relative to pivot 79. A biasing spring schematicallyindicated 85 or other appropriate biasing mechanism is provided forurging roller shaft segments 84 toward a downward position in the slot.

In the position shown in FIG. 9 an item such as a check which is engagedbetween the belt flights 70 and 72 is enabled to slip therein responsiveto the limited biasing force which acts to push roller 74 downwards.This results because roller shaft segments 84 move relatively readily onthe vertically extending portions of the bounding surface as the upwarddirected reaction force caused by the inserted item is resisted only bydownward biasing force. This enables for example, a user who is placinga check into the transport section to hold the check for a period oftime while it engages between the belt flights. The limited slipminimizes the risk that the check will be torn if the user does notrelease it promptly. Such limited slip engagement further enables acheck or other inserted item to move angularly relative to movementalong the direction of transport. This may occur for example by theengagement of an outward end of the item with a user's hand as the itemis pulled into the machine and/or by one or more surfaces bounding theopening in the machine through which the item passes.

Upon sensing with one or more appropriate sensors schematicallyindicated 89 that the check is moved sufficiently into the transportpath, the terminal processor is operative to move the actuator 82 toplace the inlet transport in the high drive position shown in FIG. 10. Aconnecting member 88 moves the supporting member 78 about support shaftsegments 80. This change in orientation of the slots increases thedownward biasing force applied by the roller 74 onto the deposited item.This results in the exemplary embodiment because the upwardly directedseparating force is now resisted by engagement of roller shaft segments84 with bounding surface 87. In addition the rotating shaft segments 84engage bounding surface 87 so that the roller shaft segments are furtherurged downward in the slot 86 towards an end portion 81 as shown in FIG.10. This causes the item to be more positively engaged between the beltflights and generally prevents slippage. This feature is useful as laterdiscussed in helping to measure the length of a deposited item forimaging purposes.

FIGS. 36 and 37 show an alternative form of an inlet transport sectiongenerally indicated 59. Inlet transport section 59 is generally similarto inlet transport section 58 except as described. Inlet transportsection 59 includes an upper roller 75 and a lower roller 77. In theexemplary embodiment the rollers have moveable members in the form ofbelt flights supported thereon. Of course it should be understood thatin other embodiments, other types of wheels, rollers or other movingmembers may be used.

Upper roller 75 is enabled to provide a variable slip driving forcethrough movement of a supporting member 83. Supporting member 83 issimilar in the exemplary embodiment to supporting member 78 and ismovable responsive to an actuator 91. The actuator 91 is operative toselectively change the orientation of the supporting member 83 toselectively change the degree of engagement between the belts moving onroller 75 and an item moving through the transport. A guide device 93 ispositioned in the inlet transport section 59. In the exemplaryembodiment guide device 93 includes a pair of moveable side rails 95.Side rails 95 are biased in a downward direction as shown in FIG. 37 bya spring mechanism 97. As indicated in FIGS. 36 and 37, the guide railsare tapered both vertically and transversely adjacent the end portionsthereof. This facilitates movement of documents adjacent to andunderneath the side rails and reduces the risk of items being caught onthe side rails.

As schematically represented in FIG. 37 in the exemplary embodiment theside rails 95 are operatively connected with the actuator 91 through aconnecting mechanism 99. The connecting mechanism operates such thatwhen the drive is operated such that there is more slip between themoving member and an inserted item, the side rails 95 are biased in adownward direction. In this condition the rails are biased toward thetransport path in which the document moves with a relatively greaterforce than when the drive is in greater positive engagement with thedocument. In this way the guide device 93 acts to position skewed orotherwise misaligned documents more readily relative to the transportpath when the drive is in limited slip engagement. This may help toposition the document rotationally or in alignment with the transportpath through engagement of the deposited item with at least one of theside rails. It should further be understood that the spring biasedcharacter of the alignment device, enables the device to engage an uppersurface of a document without causing damage thereto or preventingmovement of the document along the transport path in response to theurging of the moving members. It should be further noted that theconfiguration of the exemplary embodiment of the guide devicefacilitates aligning of documents in the transport path when documentsare moving either in the inward or the outward direction.

As can be seen from FIG. 37, when the connecting mechanism moves toplace the drive in a more positive engagement with the document, thedownward biasing force of the side rails is reduced. This is donebecause once the drive is more positively engaged with the depositeditem, the item is not as readily reoriented relative to the transportpath. It should be noted that although in FIG. 37 this is represented asbeing done using a cam and follower arrangement, in other embodimentsthe biasing force on the guide device may be changed through othermechanisms. In addition it should be understood that the mechanism shownis exemplary and in other embodiments the guide device may be moved awayfrom the deposited item rather than merely having the biasing forceacting on the item reduced.

In the operation of this exemplary embodiment of the invention, thedepository module in which the variable force inlet transport is usedaccepts both single sheet-like items as well as larger items such asdepository envelopes. In some other embodiments larger items consistingof multiple sheets such as passbooks may also be transported. In thisexemplary embodiment larger items are generally transported through theinlet transport section 59 without a need to engage the items morefirmly than is accomplished in the limited slip engagement condition ofthe transport. In such cases, the controller operating within thebanking machine, operates in accordance with its programming andresponsive to the at least one input by the user concerning the type ofitem being transported, to operate the inlet transport in the limitedslip configuration. The computer does not cause the transport to changeto the more positive engagement condition as such item passes through.In these circumstances the drive members as well as the guide device maybe biased away by the force of the item passing through the transport soas to enable the particular item to pass. Of course in some embodimentsif the item is sensed as hung up in the inlet transport, the controlleroperating the ATM may attempt to more positively engage the item so asto move it through the transport. For single sheet items, such as checksor other documents, the inlet transport section 59 may operate inresponse to one or more user inputs concerning the type of item beingdeposited, to initially provide more limited slip between the depositedsheet and the moving members. During this more limited slip conditionthe biasing force on the guide device acts to position the guide devicemore firmly in the transport path. This helps to align the document withthe transport path during the period of limited slip engagement.Thereafter after the deposited item has moved further into the transportpath, the supporting member 83 may be moved to provide a more positiveengagement. As this is done the force applied by the guide device 93 isreduced as the more positive engagement between the moving members andthe deposited item will tend to move the item in its then currentorientation. Of course it should be understood that the guide device andthe mechanism shown are exemplary and in other embodiments other typesof devices and mechanisms may be used equivalently to accomplish thedescribed functions. In other embodiments deposit accepting devices thatonly accept certain types of items that are of relatively uniformthickness such as checks, may be used.

The exemplary embodiment further includes a deposit holding moduleschematically indicated 90 (see FIG. 4). In the exemplary embodiment thedeposit holding module includes a plurality of compartments which aremoved relative to the outlet 50 of the transport section to enable itemsto be passed from the transport section into a selected compartment. Thedeposit holding module includes a drive 92 which is part of atranslation mechanism 94 of the screw type. The translation mechanismoperates to move the compartments in a generally vertical directionrelative to the outlet 50 in the transport section. The deposit holdingmodule further includes a tamping member 96 which is movable in thecompartment and operates to tamp sheets held in a sheet holdingcompartment so as to reduce the volume of sheets held therein until theitems may be removed.

The operation of the deposit holding module 90 in connection with theexemplary embodiment is represented in FIGS. 11 through 16. As shown inFIG. 11 a sheet holding compartment 98 in the deposit accepting module90 is adapted for holding sheets 100 of one type such as cancelledchecks or other items accepted in the machine. The sheet holdingcompartment 98 includes an opening 102 in an upper area thereofgenerally indicated 103. Opening 102 may be selectively moved responsiveto signals from the terminal processor and operation of drive 92, to bein communication with outlet 50. The tamping member 96 may also beselectively moved upward such that a sheet leaving the transport sectionthrough the outlet such as sheet 104, may be passed into the sheetholding compartment 98.

When deposit envelopes are to be accepted, the controller responsive toat least one input through the user interface indicating an envelopedeposit, may operate the drive 92 to move the position of thecompartments within the deposit holding module so that an envelopeholding compartment 106 is placed in communication with the outlet 50 ofthe transport section. This is accomplished as represented in FIG. 12 bybringing an opening 108 to compartment 106 into alignment with theoutlet 50. This enables an envelope deposit such as an envelopeschematically represented 110 in FIG. 12 to be moved into the envelopeholding compartment 106.

It should be noted that the movement of the compartments relative to theoutlet enable selectively aligning the openings to the variouscompartments with the outlet from the transport. This minimizes theamount of handling and manipulation of the deposits that is necessary tomove them through the deposit accepting mechanism. This increasesreliability and speed of the exemplary embodiment. Further in theexemplary embodiment the controller is enabled to selectively move theposition of the tamping member 96 relative to the sheets in the sheetholding compartment 98. The tamping member is enabled to move about anon-fixed pivot 112 between positions such as those shown in FIGS. 11and 12. The ability to downward dispose the tamping member relative tothe sheet stack enables compressing the stack of sheets 100 that may bepresent in the sheet holding compartment so as to reduce their volume.This enables accepting sheets more reliably and holding more sheets inthe sheet holding compartment before the accumulated sheets need to beremoved. It should be noted that the movement of the tamping member 96is achieved through an operative interconnection with the translationmechanism which moves the compartments as shown in FIG. 4. Further thetamping member is connected to the body of the deposit holding devicethrough the nonfixed pivot connection so that the action of the tampingmember is enabled to accommodate various sized stacks of sheets withinthe sheet holding compartment.

FIG. 13 shows an opposite hand view of the sheet holding compartment 98and the tamping member 96. As shown in FIG. 13 the tamping member may bemoved upward to a position that enables sheets to enter the sheetholding compartment when the outlet of the transport section is movedadjacent to the opening to the sheet holding compartment. In theexemplary embodiment the tamping member is moved responsive to a movingmechanism indicated 101. The exemplary moving mechanism includes amember which engages an aperture in a wall member. The wall member inthe embodiment shown remains relatively stationary. Vertical movement ofthe module 90 is operative to selectively move the tamping member. Inthe position shown in FIG. 13 in which an item may be accepted intocompartment 98, the tamping member is positioned so that the opening 102is disposed between the tamping member and a closed end of thecompartment generally indicated 105.

FIG. 14 shows a similar view of the sheet holding compartment with thetamping member moved downward toward closed end 105 so as to facilitatethe tamping of sheets which may be stored therein. An exemplaryembodiment further includes the capability for authorized personnel toremove accumulated sheets from the sheet holding compartment. As will beappreciated the deposit holding module is positioned within the interiorof the ATM 10. Preferably the interior of the ATM 10 includes a securestorage area or chest to which access is limited by a suitable lockingmechanism. U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,890 which is incorporated herein byreference, shows such a chest and locking mechanism. Only authorizedpersonnel are enabled to access this area through use of an appropriatecombination, key or other secure technique.

Authorized personnel who have gained access to the interior of the ATMchest are enabled to remove accumulated sheets from the sheet storagearea through an access opening. This is done in the exemplary embodimentby opening an access door 112 as represented in FIG. 15. In theexemplary embodiment the access door is on an opposed side of thecompartment from the inlet opening through which items enter thecompartment, but in other embodiments other arrangements may be used.Door 112 in some embodiments may have in connection therewith anadditional locking mechanism. Such locking mechanisms may include key,combination, electronic, biometric or other opening types. Alternativelyit may be sufficient to enable door 112 to be opened by a user who hasgained access to the interior of the machine. Alternatively embodimentsmay enable a user to operatively disengage the tamping member 96 fromthe mechanism which normally controls its movement and to allow thetamping member to be moved upwardly away from the sheet storagecompartment 98. This is represented in FIG. 16. Such upward movement mayenable an authorized user to gain access to the sheet holdingcompartment for purposes of removing sheets. In the embodiment shownboth the capability of opening a door 112 and moving the tamping memberto access accumulated sheets may be provided.

Likewise suitable mechanisms for accessing accumulated envelope depositsmay be provided. This may include for example access openings and/oraccess doors for accessing accumulated envelopes in the envelope holdingcompartment 106. Alternatively the envelope holding compartment may beprovided as a removable enclosure which may be removed entirely in alocked condition from the machine and replaced with a suitable emptydeposit holding container. Various approaches to removing depositeditems from various storage compartments may be used in alternativeembodiments.

In alternative embodiments provisions may be made for permanentlydefacing and/or destroying accepted items such as cancelled checks. Thismay be appropriate, for example, in situations where an electronic imageof the check has been captured and the electronic image serves as animage replacement document for the paper check. In such embodiments,after the check has been imaged either immediately or after a determinedholding period, the cancelled check may be suitably destroyed. Variousmethods for destruction may include, for example, shredding, chemicaltreatment, incineration or other approaches. Of course combinations ofsuch approaches may also be used. Further in some exemplary embodimentsprovision may be made to transfer the remnants of destroyed checks outof the housing of the banking machine and into a suitable wastereceptacle. Such a waste receptacle may be provided, for example, at therear of the machine or other location that can be connected to anopening from the machine. Thus for example in one exemplary embodimentchecks that have been imaged and cancelled may be treated with asuitable ink or other material to obliterate information on the check,and the check shredded by a suitable paper shredding mechanism.Thereafter the remnants of the check may be transported by rollers,belts, air pressure or other suitable means out through an opening ofthe machine into a waste receptacle. This exemplary approach enables themachine to run for an extended period of time without having to removecancelled checks from the interior of the housing. Of course it shouldbe understood that this approach is merely exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

Referring again to FIG. 4 the exemplary embodiment of the IDM 44includes a printing mechanism 114. Printing mechanism 114 which is shownin greater detail in FIGS. 17 and 18 is operative to enable printingindicia on deposited items responsive to control of the terminalprocessor. Such printing may be used in the exemplary embodiments toprint identifying indicia on deposited envelopes or documents.Alternatively such printing may be used to indicate the cancellation oracceptance of items placed into the machine by a user and which arestored in the machine or returned to the user from the machine. Itshould be understood that although in the exemplary embodiment theprinter is shown on a first side of the transport path, in otherembodiments the printer may be positioned on an opposed side of thetransport path. Alternatively printing devices of similar or differenttypes may be positioned on both sides of the transport path in someembodiments.

In the exemplary embodiment the printer 114 is operative to minimize therisk that the printer will snag or damage deposited items that are movedadjacent to the printer in the transport section 46. Printer 114includes a suitable print head 116. Print head 116 is directed towardsitems which may pass the printer mechanism in the transport section. Aregistration platen 118 is positioned in opposed relation of the printhead on the upper section of the transport. As schematicallyrepresented, a sensor 120 is positioned adjacent to the print head sothat the presence of deposited items adjacent thereto may be sensed.

In the exemplary form of the printer mechanism the print head 116 ismounted in supporting connection with a support plate 122. The supportplate is movably mounted relative to a frame of the IDM 44. An actuator124 is selectively operative responsive to signals from the terminalprocessor to move the support plate 122 and the print head 116selectively adjacent to or away from deposited items which move throughthe transport section. The actuator 124 accomplishes such movement ofthe print head by moving a bracket 126 in a generally horizontaldirection. Bracket 126 includes angled guide slots 128 therein. Pins 130extend in the angled slots and are operatively connected to supportplate 122. The movement of bracket 126 between the positions shown inFIGS. 17 and 18 are operative to cause the print head to move betweennonprinting and printing positions.

In the exemplary embodiment one or more sensors representedschematically as a sensor 120 are used to indicate to the terminalprocessor that the deposited item is moved adjacent to the printer. Theterminal processor operates to then move the printer into the printingposition at a time when the leading edge of the deposited item hasalready moved to a position beyond the print head 116. This reduces therisk that the deposited item will snag on the print head and will betorn or otherwise damaged by engagement therewith. It should beunderstood that printing may be conducted with the items moving throughthe transport section 46 in either direction adjacent to the print head.In this way indicia may be printed on deposited items as they moveeither toward or away from the deposit holding module. This enablesprinting on items which are either stored in the machine or which areaccepted, marked or otherwise printed upon and then returned to thecustomer. It should further be understood that the particularconfiguration of the printing mechanism is exemplary and in otherembodiments, other types of printing mechanisms and arrangements may beused.

In the exemplary embodiment the analysis module 62 includes opticalscanning sensors schematically indicated 132 in FIG. 5. The analysismodule may serve as a check imaging device. Scanning sensors 132 areoperative to generate an image of documents that move adjacent to theanalysis module. In the exemplary embodiment the scanning sensors scangenerally the entire transverse path through which documents may travelin the transport section. The scanner in the described exemplaryembodiment generates radiation in the visible range and resolves imagesat approximately 240 dots per lineal inch. The scanning sensor is alsooperative to have a focal length which corresponds to the distance thatthe scanned documents are disposed from the surface of the sensor asthey pass the analysis module. In the exemplary embodiment the scanningsensor 132 has a focal length of about 4 millimeters. Of course in otherembodiments other types of scanning sensors may be used. Such othertypes of sensors may include emitters and sensors for sensing radiationat discrete frequencies in the visible or non-visible range. In additionmultiple sensor types may be used on one or both sides of documents.Various types of sensors may be used. The sensors of the exemplaryembodiment are operative to provide image data which is electronic datawhich corresponds to a full and/or partial image of one and/or bothsides of a check or other item.

The exemplary analysis module further includes magnetic sensing elements134. The magnetic sensing elements 134 are operative to sense themagnetic properties of documents which pass adjacent to the analysismodule. In the exemplary embodiment the magnetic sensing elements 132include a plurality of discrete transversely spaced magnetic sensors.The magnetic sensors generally each cover a relatively small portion ofthe overall transport width. The sensors are arranged in sufficientproximity so that substantially the entire transverse width of thedocument path is sensed. The analysis module further includes a magnet136. Magnet 136 may comprise a unitary or a plurality of permanent ortemporary magnets. In the exemplary embodiment permanent magnets areused. The permanent magnets operate to activate magnetic properties ofmagnetic inks on documents passing adjacent to the analysis module.These magnetic properties may then be more readily sensed by themagnetic sensing elements 134.

It should be understood that the particular sensors and devices inanalysis module 62 are exemplary. Other embodiments may include only anoptical scanner or magnetic sensing elements, or different or additionaltypes of scanning and sensing elements. For example embodiments mayinclude scanners for reading bar code or other types of optical indicia.Other embodiments may include devices for reading magnetic fluxreversals that may be encoded in a magnetic media. Some embodiments mayinclude read heads for reading micr data or other types of magneticindicia. Other embodiments may include devices which are operative todetect the presence of holograms or to read non-visible radiation,fluorescent inks, or other types of coding. The particular activatingand sensing devices included in a particular analysis module will dependon the particular types of documents to be verified and analyzed throughoperation of the particular embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows schematically the relationship of the IDM 44 with exemplarysoftware components which operate in the terminal processor 32. Theterminal processor 32 has operating therein an operating system layerschematically indicated 138. The operating system layer 138 may includeoperating systems such as OS/2® from IBM, Windows NT® or Windows XP®from Microsoft, Linux or other suitable operating system. The operatingsystem communicates with a terminal control software layer 140. Theterminal control layer in the exemplary embodiment operates to controlnumerous aspects of the ATM functions including aspects of thetransaction function devices. As schematically represented in FIG. 3 theterminal control software sends messages to and receives messages fromdevices associated with the IDM 44. The messages are generally operativeto control mechanical components of the IDM as well as to receive inputsfrom sensors and other devices which operate in connection with thedeposit accepting function.

The exemplary software architecture also includes a recognitionsubsystem software layer 142. The recognition subsystem layer alsocommunicates with the operating system layer and the terminal controlsoftware layer to control and receive inputs from the IDM. Therecognition subsystem layer includes software which functions tocontrol, manipulate and analyze image data received from the IDM asschematically represented by image control component 144. Anothersoftware component of the exemplary recognition subsystem layeraccomplishes character recognition. This character recognition componentschematically represented 146 in the exemplary embodiment is operativeto identify micr coding and numerical characters. In the exemplaryembodiment the character recognition software includes software that iscommercially available from Carreker Corp. Other providers of characterrecognition software include Parascript, Mitek and A2iA. Of course othersuitable recognition software may be used. The recognition subsystem 142of the exemplary embodiment also includes a magnetic data controlcomponent schematically represented 145 that is operative to analyze andto manipulate data received from the magnetic sensing elements and tocheck for correlation between the magnetic data that is sensed and theoptical data which is obtained from the scanning activity. Of coursethese software functions are exemplary and these functions may beprogrammed differently and other or additional software components maybe included in other embodiments.

FIG. 19 shows the exemplary schematic components of the software ingreater detail. As can be appreciated the operating system 138 in theterminal processor is in operative connection with one or more datastore 34. The data store may include the information concerningprograms, transactions and other data or program logic which arenecessary to control the operation of the ATM. In addition the datastore includes the data used in connection with analyzing and verifyingdocuments. As later discussed the data store may also include image datacorresponding to the images of documents that have been accepted by thesystem. The software in connection with the exemplary terminal processoralso includes a communication subsystem layer 148. The communicationsubsystem layer enables communication between the various softwarecomponents of the system. The communication subsystem layer alsocommunicates with the various transaction function devices 36 throughappropriate interfaces or drivers. In addition communication layer 148in the exemplary embodiment also enables communication throughappropriate interfaces 38 to one or more communications networks 40 andthe host computers 42 which are operatively connected thereto.

In the exemplary embodiment the IDM 44 includes an onboard computerprocessor which resides on a scanner card 150. The scanner card 150further receives and operates upon data from the optical scanningsensors 132 on the analysis module 62. The scanner card further hasincluded thereon a driver schematically indicated 152. The driver isoperative to communicate through a scanner interface 154 with theoperating system 138 and the data store 134. The driver 152 is alsooperative to control the scanning activity which is carried out by thescanner card 150. In the exemplary embodiment the driver is alsooperative to control the allocation of memory for use in the scanneroperation. This assures that adequate memory is available in RAM tocarry out the capture, storage and analysis of the scanning data asrequired to analyze and authenticate documents which may be input in themachine.

As represented in FIG. 20 in the exemplary embodiment, when a documentis to be scanned the terminal control software 140 causes the particulardocument to be moved as desired in the IDM 44. This is done bycontrolling the various devices which sense and move documents in andthrough the module. The terminal control software 140 operates inconjunction with the recognition subsystem 142 which provideinstructions to the scanner card 150 to scan documents using the opticalscanning sensors 132 during the appropriate time periods. The data fromthe scanning process and magnetic sensing operations is returned throughthe operating system to memory. The data is then recovered from memoryand manipulated responsive to the image control and characterrecognition features of the recognition subsystem 142. The results ofthe manipulation and analysis of the scanned data is then communicatedthrough the terminal control layer to a remote host 42. This is done inthis exemplary embodiment using transaction request and authorizationmessages of a type that can be handled within the framework of ATMtransaction processing systems. However it should be understood that inother embodiments of the invention other approaches to authenticatingdocuments, verifying transactions and communicating with remotecomputers may be used.

The operation of an exemplary embodiment will now be explained withreference to some exemplary deposit transactions. A first deposittransaction to be described will be the deposit of an envelope typedeposit into the ATM 10. This is accomplished through the execution ofthe logic flow which is represented in FIG. 29.

In this exemplary transaction the ATM first acts to receive identifyingdata from the customer. This may include for example the input of anarticle such as a credit card which is read by a card reader in themachine. Such cards commonly include information such as a user's nameand/or primary account number (“PAN”). This primary account numberincludes data which can be used to identify the user and/or the user'sinstitution and account number. Further when the user is operating theATM with a debit card the user is required to input further identifyingdata to verify that the user is authorized to access the account.Usually this verifying input includes a personal identification number(“PIN”). The PIN may be input through an input device such as a keypad.In alternative embodiments other types of identifying data may be input.This data may include for example biometric data such as iris scans,retina scans, thumbprints, facial features, voice prints or otherfeatures of a user or an article carried by the user that providesidentifying data.

At the second step in the logic flow of the exemplary embodiment, themachine operates to receive from the user at least one input whichcorresponds to the transaction type that the user desires to conduct.Often this is done in response to the terminal processor presenting theuser with an output on the display which corresponds to varioustransaction options. The user is then enabled to select a transaction byproviding an input through one or more buttons or other input devices.In this example the user will indicate that the transaction type to beconducted is an envelope type deposit.

In a third step the ATM is operated to receive from the user an inputamount that is associated with the deposit transaction. Generally thiswill be provided as an input in numeric form to a keypad or other inputdevice on the machine. This numeric input which may be provided inresponse to a prompt on a display screen or other output device, willgenerally correspond to the value of the funds or other items includedin the envelope deposit.

The terminal processor operating the ATM acts in a fourth step to causean authorization request to be sent to the remote host computer. Thisauthorization request in the exemplary embodiment includes datarepresentative of the identifying data, the transaction type and theamount involved. This authorization request is sent through one or morenetworks to the appropriate host computer which may authorize thetransaction. The host computer then operates in response to theauthorization request to determine if the identifying data validlycorresponds to an authorized user and/or account. The host computer alsodetermines if the customer is authorized to conduct the requestedtransaction. The host computer then operates to formulate a transactionresponse which is sent from the network back to the ATM.

The ATM receives the response from the host computer at a fifth step. Ifthe transaction is not authorized the instruction data included in theresponse message operates to cause the ATM to advise the customer thatthe transaction cannot be performed, and then the terminal processorperforms steps to close the transaction. In this example it will bepresumed that the response message returned includes instruction dataindicating that the transaction is authorized and may proceed. Inresponse to receiving the response message indicating that thetransaction may go forward, the terminal processor operates inaccordance with its programming to execute the steps necessary to causethe ATM to accept the envelope deposit. In a sixth transaction step theterminal processor is operative to cause the gate 52 to open at theinlet 48 to the transport section 46. This enables the user to accessthe transport section.

In a seventh step the terminal processor is operative to cause thedeposit holding module 70 to move so that the envelope holdingcompartment 106 is in alignment with the outlet 50 of the transportsection 46. The terminal processor is then operative to run thetransport of the IDM 44 such that the envelope may be accepted therein.As previously explained sensors may be provided adjacent to the inlet tothe transport such that the inlet transport section 58 provides limitedslip engagement initially with the deposited envelope. Upon sensing thatthe envelope is entered further so that the envelope is substantiallywithin the transport, the terminal processor may be operative to causethe envelope to be engaged more firmly with the moving members of thetransport. Alternatively the envelope may be fully transported inlimited slip mode.

The envelope is then moved between the moving members of a transportpast the analysis module 62. In response to the at least one customerinput which indicates that an envelope type item is being deposited theterminal processor of the exemplary embodiment does not operate theanalysis module to read indicia on the envelope. The terminal processoroperates in accordance with its programming to formulate the indiciacomprising characters or other identifying data that will be printed onthe deposited envelope. This identifying data may be human languagecharacters or other data or character sets which are sufficient toidentify the deposit as associated with a particular transaction or theuser at the time of verifying the contents of the envelope. This datamay be derived from customer inputs, the ATM, the host computer, orcombinations thereof.

In a ninth step the envelope is sensed as in a position where it isadjacent to the printer mechanism 114. In the exemplary embodiment theterminal processor operates in response to signals from sensor 120 thatindicate that the leading edge of the envelope has passed the print headand will not be caught thereon if the print head moves to the printposition. Upon sensing the envelope in the ninth step the terminalprocessor causes the printer to move into position adjacent the envelopeand to print the identifying data on the envelope. The terminalprocessor continues to run the moving members in the transport until theenvelope is sensed by appropriate sensors as having passed into theenvelope compartment.

The terminal processor then operates in accordance with its programmingto cause a transaction receipt to be printed and presented to thecustomer. The terminal processor in this exemplary transaction thenoperates in a next step to provide an output screen to prompt the userto indicate whether they wish to conduct a further transaction. Forpurposes of this example it will be presumed that the user declines sucha further transaction.

In a fourteenth step the terminal processor operates in response to theuser input declining further transactions to close the transaction. Thismay include for example returning the customer's card, presenting a“thank you” screen, storing a record of the transaction in memory anddoing other things necessary to complete this transaction and to readythe machine to conduct another transaction. The terminal processor alsooperates in a fifteenth step to formulate and send a completion messageto the host computer. The completion message preferably indicateswhether the requested transaction was carried out successfully by themachine. The host computer in response will operate to include a recordin an associated data store that the customer has made a deposit in aparticular amount. Generally however such a deposit will not be creditedto a user's account until the content of the envelope is verified. Ofcourse this depends on the particular institution and their policies andpractices.

The operation of the ATM 10 will now be described with reference to anexemplary transaction involving the deposit of a check or similarinstrument. In this transaction the logic flow described in connectionwith FIGS. 30 through 33 is carried out.

In a first step shown in FIG. 30 the ATM operates to receive identifyingdata from the user in the manner previously discussed. In a second stepthe user identifies the particular transaction type to be associatedwith the transaction. In this case the user may indicate that they aredepositing a check or alternatively that they are cashing a check orother document. Because both types of transactions are related, theywill be described in connection with the exemplary logic flow as thoughthe user had selected the option of cashing a particular check. Itshould be understood however that generally a user will be electingeither to apply the amount of the deposited check to their account, orto cash the check.

At a third step in the transaction flow shown in FIG. 30 the userprovides inputs corresponding to the amount associated with thetransaction they wish to conduct. As optionally indicated in the fourthstep, the institution operating the ATM machine may charge a checkcashing fee or similar fee for the convenience of cashing the check. Ifthis is the case, an appropriate message will be output to the userthrough the display of the ATM. The user may be requested to provide aninput to indicate their acceptance of the transaction fee. If the userindicates that they do not wish to accept the fee or the user does notprovide an input within a predetermined time period, the terminalprocessor may operate to close the transaction and return the machine toa ready state to conduct a transaction for another user. For purposes ofthis example it will be presumed that the user has indicated that theywish to proceed with the transaction.

In response to these inputs the terminal processor operates inaccordance with its programming to open the gate 52 adjacent the openingto the transport section 46 of the IDM 44. The terminal processor alsooperates as indicated a sixth step to move the depository holding module90 to a position in which an appropriate check holding compartment is incommunication with the outlet 50 of the transport section.

The terminal processor next operates to cause the running of the movingmembers in the transport section to receive the document therein. Asrepresented in FIG. 26 entry sensors 156 operate to sense an item, whichin this case is check 158 entering the transport section. The sensing ofthe entered item by sensors 156 may be operative as previously discussedto cause the inlet transport section 58 to first run in a mannerproviding limited slip. Thereafter when the item has cleared the entrysensors 156 or otherwise moved further or substantially into thetransport, the moving members more firmly engage the deposited item. Ascan be appreciated during the time of limited slip, the item may moveangularly relative to the direction of movement longitudinally along thetransport path as the result of the user holding the item or due to theguiding action of the walls bounding the opening or other guide devicestructure.

As represented in FIG. 26 the exemplary embodiment includes at least onethroat sensor 160 adjacent to the analysis module 62. The terminalprocessor is operative in a ninth step to measure the document length.This is done for example based on the transport speed and the time thatthe document takes to pass the throat sensor 160. Because in theexemplary embodiment it can be assumed that generally no slippage of thedocument occurs after it has firmly engaged the transport, the time thatthe document blocks the throat sensor generally provides a relativelyaccurate indication of document length. Of course in other embodimentsequivalent mechanisms such as encoders on driving members or otherdevices may be used. The document length is calculated in the exemplaryembodiment by the terminal control software. It should be understoodhowever that this technique is exemplary and in other embodiments of theinvention other approaches may be used.

As schematically represented in FIG. 21, during the step of measuringthe document, the document is moved past the analysis module 62 to aposition intermediate of the analysis module and the deposit holdingmodule. This position of document 158 is represented in FIG. 22. Thedocument at this point is in a “ready to scan” position. The terminalprocessor next operates in accordance with the eleventh step in FIG. 30to move the document in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 22. Thedocument is then moved past the optical and magnetic sensors in theanalysis module 62 as represented in FIG. 23. As the document moves pastthe analysis module, the terminal control software and recognitionsubsystem software gather the image and profile data that is used toanalyze and/or produce an electronic image of the document. As the check158 passes the magnet 136 the magnetic ink thereon is magnetized. Thismagnetized ink is then sensed by the magnetic sensors 134 which providea profile of the area in which magnetic ink is present. This isrepresented in greater detail in FIGS. 27 and 28. For example in theexemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 27, check 158 includes a line 162of micr coding. This line of micr coding (alternatively referred toherein as the micr line) causes signals to be produced by the magneticsensing elements 134 as the characters pass such sensors. As representedin FIG. 27 document 158 may be skewed relative to the transport sectionthrough which it passes. However regardless of whether the document isstraight or skewed it will produce a magnetic profile.

A magnetic profile associated with the document is indicative that thedocument is genuine. This is because photocopies or other simulatedchecks generally would not include magnetic coding. Thus the sensing ofany magnetic coding on the document by the analysis module suggests thatthe document that has been inserted is a genuine check. However as laterdiscussed alternative embodiments may include approaches for reducingthe risk that the check is a forgery that has been produced usingmagnetic inks.

FIG. 28 indicates specifically the magnetic profile sensed as thedocument passes the magnetic sensors. This magnetic profile indicated164 includes data which indicates the magnetic areas on the check. Thismagnetic profile is correlated in the exemplary embodiment by therecognition subsystem with the optical profile to further verify thatthe check is genuine. Of course this technique is exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

As also represented in FIG. 23 movement of the document past thescanning sensors 132 causes data to be produced which is indicative ofthe optical characteristics of the document passing in the transportsection. This optical data comprises an electronic image of the checkthat is captured through operation of the scanner card and included inthe data store associated with the ATM. The scanning process iscontinued as the check 158 moves past the analysis module 162 as shownin FIG. 4.

As indicated by the twelfth step in the logic flow in FIG. 30 theterminal processor next operates to apply the rules which are associatedwith the programs stored in memory concerning the particular type ofdocument associated with the transaction. Generally at least one inputby the customer indicating that they are making a check deposit may becorrelated with certain stored data or rules which indicate theparticular characteristics of the document that is to be received. Insome cases the inputs may correspond to a particular sized document.Alternatively the rules may correspond to particular configurations orother characteristics. In this example the rules stored in memory arealso indicative of “windows” or particular areas in the documentlandscape in which data which should be analyzed on the document may befound.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment which operates to analyzecheck 158, the terminal processor operates in accordance with theapplicable rules recovered from memory as associated with a checkdeposit to deskew the data corresponding to the image and place it inregistration with an imposed coordinate system. This is done in theexemplary embodiment through use of a programmed series of steps whichfinds the boundaries of the image data. This is done by comparing thepixels which make up the image and generating at least two of the lineswhich bound the document. By identifying these lines, one or morecorners of the document may be identified. This process is representedin FIG. 34 by the skewed profile of check 158 which is shown in solidlines.

In the exemplary embodiment, after finding the two leading corners ofthe document 166 and 168 and the most closely adjacent trailing cornerto a “x” coordinate 170, the terminal processor operates in accordancewith its programming to adjust the data corresponding to the image. Theexemplary terminal processor first operates to adjust the image byrotating the image data about corner 168. This causes the image to be“squared up” relative to the imposed coordinate system as represented bya phantom image 172. The computer next operates to shift the squared upimage data to a reference point of the coordinate system. This shiftingplaces the leading corner 168 at the origin of the imposed x and ycoordinate system. The leading corner 166 is placed along the “y” axiswhile the trailing corner 170 is placed along the x axis. It should beunderstood that all of the pixels which make up the image data arecorrespondingly adjusted through this process to produce the shiftedimage 174 which is shown in phantom in FIG. 34.

As represented by the fourteenth step shown in FIG. 31 the terminalprocessor next operates in accordance with its programming to applytemplate logic to the shifted image 174. The computer operates torecover from memory, data corresponding to at least one selectedtemplate. In exemplary embodiments a plurality of templates may bestored in memory and the selected one is recovered responsive tocustomer inputs to the machine, indicia read from the document or otherdata. In this step the computer operates to apply a template over theshifted image to identify for analysis “windows” within the image thatcontain data that is of interest. This is represented schematically inFIG. 35. In FIG. 35 a template is schematically indicated 176. Template176 includes a first window 178 which generally corresponds to an areain which a micr line on a check may be located. Template 176 furtherincludes a second window 180. Window 180 corresponds to an area of thelandscape on the check where a courtesy amount which represents thevalue of the deposited check may be located. It should be understoodthat these windows are exemplary and in other embodiments other oradditional windows may be included. Such windows may include, forexample, a window for the so called legal amount which is the written ortyped amount of the check. A window may also be provided for an “amountnot to exceed” indicator, date, payee name, payor name or otherinformation that appears on the check. It should further be understoodthat these processes for identifying windowed areas within shifted dataare carried out through operation of the computer processor and therecognition subsystem software and that these graphic representationsshown in the Figures merely serve to explain the nature of an exemplaryform of the analysis that is carried out.

As represented in a fifteenth step shown in FIG. 41 the computeroperates to analyze the data in the window of the template whichcorresponds to the potential location of the micr line. This isaccomplished by the image control component 144 of the softwareanalyzing data from the data store. It should be understood that thedata within the particular window may or may not correspond to the micrline depending on the orientation of the document as well as whether thedocument itself is valid.

The computer then operates in accordance with a sixteenth steprepresented in FIG. 31 to pass the data extracted from the window 178.This character recognition software component is operative to apply thelogic used for optically reading micr symbols. In the exemplaryembodiment this is a logic associated with reading e-13B typecharacters. The character recognition software component 146 isoperative to analyze the data and make evaluations in looking for knowncharacters of the particular type. In the exemplary embodiment thecharacters represented which are resolved are processed to derive ASCIIvalues corresponding to the characters.

In a next step as represented in FIG. 31, recognition subsystem 142 isoperative to check the returned data for the presence of particularcharacters, in this case routing and transfer characters. Generallyvalid micr line data will include such characters and the detectedpresence thereof in the data analysis is an indicator that the micr linedata has been properly found and read.

At a nineteenth step shown in FIG. 31 the recognition subsystem software142 operates to determine if the degree of assurance or confidence asindicated by the character recognition component for the valuesreturned, is above a threshold. The determination of the level ofassurance is based on one or more values delivered by the patternrecognition algorithms in the character recognition software componentused in the exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment thethreshold is generally set at about a 70 percent assurance level. Asindicated in FIG. 31 the computer operates in response to itsprogramming to proceed based on whether the level of assurance is at orabove, or below the threshold.

As indicated in FIG. 31 if the level of assurance in the determined micrvalues is indicated as below the threshold and/or if routing andtransfer characters are not found, the recognition subsystem throughoperation of the image control software component, operates to furthermanipulate the image. In the exemplary transaction the computer operatesto manipulate the data to essentially transpose and flip the image 180degrees and to again read the data in the micr line window. It should beunderstood that in other embodiments the data corresponding to the imagemay be manipulated in other ways in order to attempt to translate theimage so as to find appropriate data.

As indicated in the twenty-first step in FIG. 31 the translated imagedata now in the window 178 is again read and passed to the characterrecognition software component 146. This again causes the output ofASCII values based on the characters in the window. As indicated in thetwenty-fourth step these values are then checked for the presence ofrouting and transfer values. As indicated in step twenty-five in FIG.31, if the micr values read have an associated level of assurance at orabove the threshold and routing and transfer characters are present therecognition subsystem is operative to proceed with further analysis ofthe image. However if the level of assurance remains below the thresholdand/or there are no routing or transfer characters, this may be anindication that the document is not valid. In some embodiments the ATMmay operate to further transpose the data and conduct additionalanalysis. This may be particularly appropriate in situations where bothsides of the document are being scanned and the document may be indifferent orientations. In this case the terminal processor causes theATM to operate to return the document to the customer and to close thetransaction.

As represented in the logic flow which continues in FIG. 32, if thecharacters in the micr window are read with a level of assurance that isat or above the threshold and the routing and transfer characters arepresent, the terminal processor next operates to cause the courtesyamount data in the window 180 to be read. In the exemplary embodimentthe recognition subsystem operates in response to landmark rulesassociated in memory with the document type to assist the analysis infinding the courtesy amount within the window. These techniques mayinclude for example in the reading of a check, looking for the box orline on which the courtesy amount is written. In this case the value isa monetary amount. The amount may be printed or cursive characters. Itmay also look for known characters such as the dollar sign, the fractionsign, decimal point or star characters which are commonly included inprinted checks to indicate places before the dollar amount. Of course itshould be understood that the particular templates and landmark rulesused will depend on the programming of the machine and the type ofdocument involved. The machine may have access to stored datacorresponding to a plurality of templates and/or rules, and may applythem to documents based on data derived from customer inputs, thedocument, memory data or combinations thereof.

As represented in a twenty-eighth step in FIG. 32 the terminal processorfurther operates responsive to the recognition subsystem to binarize thedata in the courtesy amount window which essentially can be thought ofas reducing the sensed data to black and white. This further assists inidentifying the characters. The character recognition component 146 thenapplies its logic in looking for U.S. dollar type numerical characterswithin the data, and as represented in a twenty-ninth step in FIG. 32,the recognition subsystem outputs and ASCII values indicative of thecourtesy amount. In some embodiments the level of assurance associatedwith the courtesy amount is also analyzed to determine if it is above athreshold to verify that the amount has been accurately read.Alternatively, or in addition, the derived courtesy amount may becompared to the data input by the customer concerning the amount of thecheck. In alternative embodiments the character recognition subsystemmay operate to read the characters in the legal amount field and comparethe legal amount to the courtesy amount. Alternatively or in addition,in some embodiments the micr line may include indicia representative ofthe amount of the check or an amount which the check is not permitted toexceed. In such cases the encoded micr data or the values to which itcorresponds may be compared to the courtesy and/or legal amounts.Further in some embodiments the check may include a field that indicatesa value which a check is not to exceed. This value may be read andcompared through operation of one or more computers to the amount datafound in the courtesy amount, legal amount, or micr line. Suchcomparisons may enable the machine to identify situations where theamount data is not consistent, which is indicative of an inability toproperly read that check, and/or an unauthorized modification of thecheck data. If there is a discrepancy and/or the level of assurance isbelow the threshold the check may be returned and the transactionclosed.

The exemplary recognition subsystem further operates in accordance withthe thirtieth step represented in FIG. 32 to check for the presence ofmagnetic ink on the document in the proper location. This is done in theexemplary embodiments by component 145 determining the length andconfiguration of the magnetic profile associated with the document. Thislength and orientation data may be normalized in the manner of the imagedata based on the imposed coordinate system, and compared therewith toverify that the magnetic areas correspond to the optical datacorresponding characters in the micr line. In addition certain documentsmay also include magnetic characters in other areas of the document.These other characters which may not necessarily be included within theoptically analyzed data, may be further checked to provide an indicationof the genuineness of the document. Of course in alternative embodimentsas previously discussed, the mere presence of magnetic ink on thedocument may serve as a sufficient indication that the document isgenuine.

In some alternative embodiments at least one computer in the automatedbanking machine may be operative to further verify the genuineness of acheck presented to the machine by looking for evidence of magneticindicia within the image data corresponding to the check in appropriateplaces or locations which suggest that the check may have been producedfraudulently. In such embodiments the computer may be operative to lookfor evidence of magnetic ink within preprinted fields of one or moretemplates which would normally not include magnetic indicia. Thepresence of magnetic indicia in one or more of these fields may beindicative that the check may have been printed by a forger with aprinter that prints in magnetic ink. This may be indicated, for example,by the data in a maker field, date field, maker signature line or otherareas being presented in magnetic ink when no magnetic ink wouldnormally be found in such areas. In some embodiments, for example, therecognition subsystem or other computer in connection with the machinemay be operative to first locate the micr line within the image data inthe manner previously discussed. Thereafter, the system may operate todisregard the magnetic indicia in the micr line and analyze othermagnetic indicia and/or its location relative to the image data. Basedon programmed parameters such as, for example, finding magnetic indiciain other printing on the check may cause the machine to identify thecheck as a potential forgery. In such circumstances the check will notbe cashed by the machine. The check may be returned to the user oralternatively retained in the machine as a precaution to prevent thecheck being passed in another location. Of course these approaches areexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

As indicated in the thirtieth step of the exemplary embodimentrepresented in FIG. 32, if the magnetic data sensed does not properlycorrespond to the document the terminal processor operates to identifythe document as suspect. The terminal processor then operates to returnthe document to the customer and to close the transaction. However, ifthe document has an appropriate magnetic profile the terminal processornext moves to a step 31.

In the thirty-first step the terminal processor operates to configureand send an authorization message through the network to the host. Thisauthorization message will generally include the data appropriatelynecessary in an ATM transaction message for purposes of authorizing thetransaction. Such data may include customer identifying data such as PANand PIN related data, the transaction type and the amount input. Inaddition the transaction data may include data derived from thedocument, such as data representative of the data corresponding to thecharacters in the micr line as well as the courtesy amount read from thecheck as determined by the recognition subsystem.

It should be appreciated that providing the data read from the check innumerical or other compatible format as part of an authorization messageis useful for facilitating processing of the data in some systemscompared to transmitting an entire image of a check to a host computerfor analysis and authorization. In exemplary embodiments the check datamay be included in a field in a Diebold 91x type transaction message orin a selected field in an ISO 8583 message. A host computer may readilydetermine the data included in such messages and analyze it for purposesof deciding whether or not to authorize the transaction.

In this exemplary transaction when the host receives the request messagefrom the ATM, it operates to determine if the customer data correspondsto an authorized user as well as whether the user is authorized toconduct the transaction requested. The operator of the host computer mayalso be enabled to apply certain rules, including preventing particularusers from cashing checks or limiting the amount of the deposited checkwhich can be cashed. Various types of rules may be selectively applieddepending on the particular user and the amount of the check. Inaddition the host computer may also analyze the account data on thecheck. This may include for example communicating with other systems ordata stores to determine if the account upon which the check is drawn isvalid and/or holds sufficient funds as represented by the courtesyamount on the check. The computer may also compare certain data such asthe courtesy amount read, to data input by the customer concerning thevalue of the check. The computer may also compare data corresponding tothe legal amount read from the check to the courtesy or amount or othermonetary amount data based on the micr line or a maximum amount printedon the check. The computer may also analyze aspects of the data such asthe institution or the location thereof, upon which the check is drawnfor purposes of applying its programmed business rules and logic and indeciding whether to allow the user to deposit or cash the check. Ofcourse in some embodiments business rules may be applied by the one ormore computers operating in the ATM as well as through the operation ofone or more remote host computers.

In accordance with its rules and logic the host in the exemplaryembodiment returns a response message to the ATM. This is represented bya step 32. For purposes of this example it will be presumed that theuser is authorized to deposit or cash the check. Of course if the checkis not authorized to be deposited or cashed the response messageincludes data indicative thereof. The ATM will operate under control ofthe terminal processor in response to data indicative that thetransaction is not authorized to return the check to the user and toclose the transaction. Alternatively, if the check appears to befraudulent, the ATM may capture and store the check.

As indicated by the thirty-third step in the exemplary embodiment theATM operates in accordance with its programming to display a graphicimage of the check deposited on its display 22. The terminal processoralso operates in a thirty-fourth step in the sequence to store a copy ofthe image file in a data store at the ATM. In some embodiments thisimage file may be later recovered for purposes of tracking anddocumentation. Such image files may be compressed for purposes of savingstorage space. In one exemplary embodiment the graphic image of thecheck is stored in memory as a PCX file. In other embodiments the imagefile may also be accessed from or downloaded to remote computersconnected to the system. As previously discussed, such remote computersmay be operative to process the check and to carry out settlementrelated thereto, using the electronic image document as a substitute forthe paper check.

The computer next operates in accordance with a thirty-fifth step toprint a receipt for the customer. In the exemplary embodiment because agraphic image of the check is available within the ATM, a graphicrepresentation of the check may be included on the receipt provided tothe customer. In addition the terminal may operate to print a similargraphic image on a journal printer or in other hard storage within themachine. Alternatively or in addition, in machines including a camera orother image capture device, an image of the user may be stored and/orprinted in correlated relation with the check data, including on thereceipt, on the check and/or on a journal.

After printing the receipt the ATM next operates under control of theterminal processor to cancel and store the check. This is representedgraphically in FIG. 24. As indicated by the thirty-sixth step in thesequence, the computer causes the transport section to again move check158 in the direction of the arrow. The check is moved towards thedeposit holding module. In addition the terminal processor operates toalign the appropriate document compartment so that its opening is incommunication with the outlet of the transport section.

As indicated in a thirty-seventh step the check 158 is moved until it issensed adjacent to the printer mechanism 114. Upon sensing the checkadjacent to the printer the terminal processor operates to printcancellation data on the check. This cancellation data is printed on thecheck as it moves in the transport. This may include for exampleinformation about the user and/or the transaction, including images. Asindicated in a thirty-ninth step in the sequence, the transportcontinues to move the check until it is sensed as having passed into thestorage compartment. Such activity may be sensed through sensors similarto those previously discussed positioned adjacent to the outlet 50 ofthe transport. This is schematically represented by sensors 182 shown inFIG. 26.

After moving the check into the document storage compartment theterminal processor operates the translation mechanism 94 associated withthe deposit holding module to tamp the documents in storage. This isaccomplished as indicated by the fortieth step by moving the tampingmember 96 downward. This serves to assure that the documents in storageare compacted to the extent possible and assures that a larger number ofdocuments may be accepted before the need for removal of documents fromthe storage compartment.

In some embodiments, the terminal may operate in accordance with itsprogrammed instructions to provide the user with an output asking ifthey have further checks to deposit. The user may respond with at leastone input, and if so a portion of the transaction sequence can berepeated beginning with step 2 in the transaction sequence for example,to accept another check or other document. In such situations the valueof the further check or other document may be added to the value of theprior items. In some embodiments items which are deposited may havedifferent properties. For example, in some embodiments the machine mayaccept items that do not include magnetic coding. Such items may includeother features such as verification codes, symbols or characters thatare a function of other values or indicia on the items. Such items mayinclude for example vouchers issued by the machine for a differencebetween an amount the user was entitled to receive and the value of cashdispensed that could not be dispensed in prior transactions. The machinein such embodiments is operative responsive to its programming to adjustthe verification sequence to suit the particular document type beingreceived. The particular document type being received may be based onthe at least one input to the machine in the second step, indicia readfrom the document type, and/or other inputs or data.

In embodiments where a plurality of types of documents are accepted, themachine may operate in accordance with its programming to conduct ananalysis of the indicia on the document that is appropriate to verifythe particular document type. The document storage module may alsoinclude compartments for each type of item that is to be accepted. Inthis way different item types may be segregated to facilitate removaland sorting.

In some embodiments the receipt of successive documents from one usermay continue for a plurality of checks, vouchers or other type items. Ifthe items are verifiable as genuine by the machine and redeemable forcash or credit, the machine may operate to aggregate the value of allsuch items. The transaction sequence may continue to repeat based oninstructions and inputs to the machine in the transaction sequence. Itshould be understood that for purposes of the exemplary transactionsequence there has been only one item deposited, and only one exemplarytype analysis of a document which is a check has been described.

As indicated in the forty first step if the customer has requested adeposit only transaction during the transaction selection step, theterminal processor causes the machine to go to the forty-fifth step inthe transaction sequence. However if the customer has requested todispense cash based on the value of a cashed check, the logic moves tothe forty-second step. If the dispense transaction has been authorized,the terminal processor operates the cash dispenser to dispense an amountof cash. In some embodiments the amount of cash which may be dispensedmay correspond exactly to the amount of the check (less transaction feesin some cases) that has been presented by the customer. This may be donefor example in an ATM which includes a cash dispenser with coindispensing capability. However in many embodiments the ATM may becapable of dispensing only certain denominations of currency. This maypreclude the customer from receiving the exact amount of change to whichthey are entitled.

In circumstances where the customer cannot receive exact change thecomputer may operate to cause a voucher to be printed for the customer.The voucher may include for example a printed coupon or other item thatcan be redeemed for the amount of the change. This may include forexample a coupon redeemable with a merchant for cash and/or services ormerchandise. The user may be prompted through operation of the computerto provide at least one input which serves to select from severalpossible merchants from whom available vouchers are redeemable and inresponse to the user making a selection of a merchant the voucher isprinted with the corresponding merchant name and amount. The system maythen operate to provide a credit to the account of the merchant for theamount of the voucher. Such a voucher may include an image of the userfor purposes of verification that the person presenting the item is theauthorized person.

Alternatively the computer may operate to print and provide a check orother type negotiable instrument to the user. This negotiable instrumentmay be cashed like a check at the machine or at another location by theuser. Such an instrument may be input by the customer to the machine ina subsequent transaction. For example the machine may operate in thesubsequent transaction as previously discussed to accept several checksincluding the negotiable instrument previously dispensed. The user mayelect to cash the amount of these checks or have them credited to anaccount.

The machine may include among its transaction function devices check orvoucher printer devices. These printer devices may be supplied with astock of check media with magnetic coding that may be similar to othertypes of checks. The coding may correspond to the account of theoperator of the machine or other entity whose account is to be chargedfor the amount of change received by a machine user. In such embodimentsthe check is completed by a printing device with the amount of changefor which the check may be redeemed. The check may be printed by themachine with the user's name as payee based on the transaction datareceived, or alternatively made out to cash. Images of the user may beprinted on the check for authorization purposes as previously discussed.

The check once completed with the appropriate data and/or images may bedispensed from the machine to the user. The user may cash the check atthe machine on the current session or in a subsequent transactionsession, or at another location that accepts checks. In some embodimentsthe check stock provided in the machine may prominently display astatement of maximum value above which a check would not be valid. Thismay be for example, the smallest denomination currency bill dispensed bythe machine. For example if the lowest denomination bill that themachine dispenses is a one dollar bill, the value of change would alwaysbe generally less than one dollar, and the statement of maximum value ofone dollar which would conspicuously indicate to anyone redeeming thecheck that if it is above this amount it has been tampered with. Ofcourse the maximum amount may vary depending on the machine and itscapabilities. Also having such limited value checks in the machinereduces the risk to the machine operator in the event the machine isbroken into and the check stock is otherwise stolen. Alternatively themaximum value statement on the check may in some embodiments be printedby the machine itself.

Checks issued by the machine on check stock may include micr coding.Such checks may be verified by the machine in the same manner as otherchecks. Alternatively the machine may include a transaction functiondevice which provides vouchers, scrip or coupon material that isredeemable for cash, credit, services and/or merchandise. In someembodiments such items, which will be referred to as a voucher forpurposes of brevity, may have unique indicia or characteristics that areindicative of authenticity. Such indicia or characteristics may includeindicia readable by the machine. Such indicia may include a uniquemagnetic or visual characters and/or profile which is indicative thatthe voucher is genuine. Of course, such vouchers may in otherembodiments include visible or non-visible indicia including images ofthe user, which are capable of being read and used to verify theauthenticity of the voucher. As previously discussed, when such an itemis presented to the machine to be redeemed, the machine adjusts theverification steps in accordance with its programming as appropriate forthe particular type of document. This may be based on user inputs,information read from the document, or other data.

In alternative embodiments, the machine need not use any special mediaor paper to provide a voucher redeemable for cash (or credit and/ormerchandise). In such embodiments a printing device in the machine mayprint the voucher on non-unique media. This printer used for printingthe voucher may be a printer used for printing documents that are notredeemable for cash, such as the receipt printer. This may beaccomplished by printing on the voucher one or more numerical codesand/or characters or symbols that are usable to verify the genuinenessof the document. These may include for example numerical codes which area function of at least one value associated with the transaction. Forexample the voucher may include verification indicia which is determinedthrough use of an encryption function based on a transaction number,user ID, amount, machine ID, transaction time, other values, images, orcombinations thereof.

The voucher including the verification indicia may be presented at themachine (and in some embodiments at other machines or establishments) tobe redeemed. In the case of presentation of the item at the machine, theverification indicia may be read with other values from the voucher.Because in this example no magnetic coding is used, the programming ofthe machine would cause the machine to not reject the voucher for lackof magnetic coding. The machine would operate in accordance with itsprogramming to determine the validity of the verification indicia. Thiswould be done using the particular appropriate algorithms and data. Thismay include for example recovering data from one or more data stores.Such a data store may include for example, data concerning whether avoucher corresponding to the one presented has been previously redeemed.For example the machine may operate to store in one or more data storeswhen the voucher is issued, data indicative that the voucher has beenissued. Such data may include data about the amount, the user, theverification indicia or other data. Then when the voucher is redeemed,either at a machine (the same machine that issued the voucher or anothermachine) or at another location such as a merchant location, furtherdata is stored to indicate the voucher has been redeemed. Suchprocedures may help assure that reproductions of vouchers are notredeemed for cash. If the voucher is verified as genuine it is acceptedfor cash value in the manner previously discussed. Of course theseapproaches are merely exemplary and other approaches may be used.

Alternative embodiments may also provide other ways for the user to takeor receive the benefit of an undispensed amount. This may include forexample the user returning the change to an account with an institution.Alternatively the user may choose to apply the change to the amount ofan existing credit card balance or loan that is held by the institution.In addition or in the alternative, the user may apply the undispensedamount to a particular charitable organization. The operator of themachine may track such donations over the year and send the user astatement for tax purposes. In addition the information may be used bythe charities to provide such tax documents directly, and/or to solicitfurther donations from the particular user. This is accomplished in anexemplary embodiment by the machine providing the user with one or moreoptions through output devices, and the user providing one or moreinputs through input devices to select one or more of the options forapplication of the difference. Numerous options may be provided by theuser in response to the programming associated with the terminalprocessor and other connected computers.

Alternatively in some embodiments one or more computers operating inconnection with the machine may provide the user cashing the check withthe closest amount that the ATM can dispense to the exact amount of thecheck. For example, if the ATM includes cash dispensers that dispensecoin and the cash dispenser for dispensing pennies is not availablebecause it is broken or is depleted, the machine may dispense an amountto the nearest next highest available currency denomination, which maybe a nickel. Likewise if the cash dispenser for dispensing nickels isnot available or depleted, (and the penny dispenser is not available)the machine may dispense to the nearest dime. These rules of roundingupwards may be applied in accordance with the programming associatedwith the machine to dispense the closest amount that the machine iscapable of dispensing above the amount of the check presented. Of coursein exemplary embodiments the excess above the amount of the check thatthe machine will dispense is limited in accordance with the programmingof one or more computers within the machine. Thus, for example, theprogramming of the computer may establish the maximum additional amountthat the user may receive above the amount of the check as $2.99. Thusif the machine cannot dispense an amount that is within $2.99 above theamount of the check, the machine will indicate that it is unable toprocess the transaction and return the check to the user. Of course thisapproach is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

It should be understood that in some exemplary embodiments one or morecomputers in operative connection with the one or more cash dispensersin the ATM is programmed to control the dispense of currencydenominations in response to check cashing transactions. Such controlmay be operative to reduce the risk that the machine will run out ofcurrency. Thus, for example, the computer may be operative to cause theATM to dispense one denomination of currency as opposed to another inorder to enable the machine to continue running longer and/or tomaintain the capability of the ATM to fulfill check cashing transactionswithin the parameters which have been established by the system. Ofcourse these approaches are exemplary and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

As indicated at the forty-fourth step in the sequence the terminalprocessor operates to cause a receipt to be printed for the userindicating the amount of the cash dispensed. This receipt may alsoinclude other information including the amount of change that the userreceived and an indication of how the value associated with this changewas either applied or provided to the user. Of course as previouslydiscussed, in this printing step the terminal processor may also operateto print vouchers, coupons, negotiable instruments or other items thatthe user has requested to receive.

As indicated at the forty-fifth step the terminal processor nextoperates in accordance with its programming to prompt the user onwhether they wish to conduct another transaction. For purposes of thisexample it will be assumed that the user declines another transaction.The terminal processor next operates the machine to close thetransaction. This may include for example returning the card to thecustomer, outputting “thank you” messages or other appropriate stepsassociated with completing the transaction and/or readying the machinefor a next customer.

In the forty-seventh step the terminal processor operates to send acompletion message to the host. As previously discussed the completionmessage generally includes data indicative of whether the transactionwas successfully carried out. In addition in some embodiments, thecompletion message may also include data representative of any changethat was due to customer and how the customer chose to apply or receivethe amount of change. The confirmation data included in the returnmessage may also include data representative of the issuance of an itemand/or the identity of the merchant or other entity to whom a credit isrequired to be issued in consideration of vouchers or coupons that weredispensed to the customer. The completion data may also include atransaction number or data that can be used to identify or authenticatea check or voucher issued to a user. Likewise the message may includedata representative of loans, accounts or charities to whom the customermay have elected to apply their change balance. Other appropriate dataindicative of the completion of the transaction may be included. Thehost computer operates in response to this message to appropriatelyclose the transaction and to apply the funds accordingly and to storedata in one or more data stores in operative connection with the host.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing description, the exemplary formof the deposit accepting apparatus and system and its methods ofoperation, may provide advantages. The exemplary system reduces the needto manipulate documents. This results in increased reliability byreducing the risk of document jams or other malfunctions. The exemplaryembodiment further reduces the need to achieve alignment of the documentfor purposes of reading or analyzing the data thereon. Generally as longas the particular document is presented in an appropriate transportdirection the data may be analyzed and manipulated so as to achieveauthorization of the document. It should be understood that while theexemplary embodiment shown analyzes indicia on only one side of adocument, other embodiments may analyze indicia on both sides ofdocuments. This may be accomplished for example by having analysismodules on both sides of the document path. Such arrangements in someembodiments may enable documents to be reliably read and analyzedregardless of orientation.

It should be understood that while the exemplary embodiment has beendescribed as reading checks and vouchers, other embodiments may be usedfor reading other document types. Such other document types may includefor example statements of charges such as utility bills, credit cardbills and other statements of charges. Embodiments may further beadapted to read other or additional types of coding such as one ortwo-dimensional bar codes, other character sets, alphabets of variouslanguages or other characters. Embodiments of the invention may acceptonly one type of item, or a plurality of types of items. Further, whilethe exemplary embodiment accepts envelopes, other embodiments may notaccept such items, or may accept other types of items.

It should be understood that the architecture of the computers andsoftware described is exemplary. Other embodiments may use differentcomputer and/or software architectures to accomplish the functions andmethods described. Further the one or more computers operating in anautomated banking machine may be programmed by reading through operationof one or more appropriate reading devices, machine readable articleswhich comprise media with computer executable instructions that areoperative to cause the one or more computers (alternatively referred toherein as processors) in the machine to carry out one or more of thefunctions and method steps described. Such machine readable media mayinclude for example one or more CDs, magnetic discs, tapes, hard diskdrives, PROMS, memory cards or other suitable types of media.

Some exemplary embodiments further facilitate transaction processing bybeing able to verify and analyze document images within the ATM. Thismay avoid the need to transmit entire document images to a remotelocation for purposes of analysis. Further an exemplary embodimentenables the application of processing rules which facilitates analyzingrequired data and moving forward with transactions only when such datais read with a sufficient level of assurance that the data has been readaccurately.

A further advantage of the described exemplary embodiment is the abilityof a single mechanism to reliably handle both sheet type materials andenvelopes. This avoids the need to include multiple depositories withina machine. In addition the embodiment also produces data representativeof graphic images of items that have been placed into the depository.Such image data may be analyzed at the machine or forwarded to anotherdevice for verification and/or processing purposes. Embodiments may beused to conduct payor and/or payee signature analysis including analysisfor the presence of signatures and/or for the genuineness of cursivesignatures.

Another advantage of the exemplary embodiment is that items placed inthe deposit accepting apparatus may be read through imaging or othermethods and then returned to the customer. These may include items suchas drivers' licenses, identification cards, passports or other articlesthat generally will not be retained within the machine. The exemplarydepository also has the capability of receiving documents, readingand/or capturing images and printing on them for purposes ofauthentication or cancellation and then returning them to the customer.This may prove advantageous for example in the case of customer bills orpayments where the customer is provided with a marking on the particularbill to indicate that payment has been made. In addition the exemplaryembodiment may handle numerous different types of items and documents inthis manner. For example embodiments of the invention may be used inapplications such as issuing items such as drivers' licenses, licenseplate stickers, gaming materials, and other items. Embodiments may beused for redeeming items and issuing new or replacement items. Furtheradvantages will be apparent, and those having skill in the relevant artmay apply the principles of the claimed invention to numerousembodiments.

FIG. 38 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a system generallyindicated 200, in which check cashing is provided through automatedbanking machines. The system includes automated banking machines 202which may be automated teller machines of the type previously discussed.ATMs 202 are connected through a network 204, to a host computer ortransaction server generally indicated 206. Network 204 may comprise anyof a number of public or private networks suitable for communicatingbetween host computer 206 and the ATMs. As schematically represented inFIG. 38, host computer 206 is in operative connection with a data store208 which includes various types of instructions and stored data. Host206 is also in operative connection with a host interface terminal 210.

In the exemplary embodiment system 200 includes at least oneadministrator station 212. Administrator station 212 in the exemplaryembodiment is a computer or server in operative connection with thenetwork 204. Administrator station 212 is used by the operator of theATMs 202 for purposes of configuring the system and monitoringtransactions which occur at the ATMs 202.

Exemplary system 200 further includes a check image server 214. As shownschematically, the check image server 214 is in operative connectionwith a data store 216. Check image server 214 is connected to ATMs 202through a network 218. Network 218 may be the same or different networkthan network 204. Other servers 220 and 222 are connected to the network218. In the exemplary embodiment check image server 214 is operative toreceive electronic images of checks that are received at the ATMs 202.The check image server 214 may be used to archive such images and toaccomplish settlement among the various entities which hold accountswhich must be credited and debited in the conduct of a check cashingtransaction.

In the exemplary embodiment of system 200, ATMs 202 are specificallyoperated for purposes of providing check cashing services. Such checkcashing services may be provided for persons holding accounts with theoperator of the system such as a financial institution. Alternatively insome embodiments ATMs 202 may be specifically operated to provide checkcashing services for persons who do not hold accounts with the operatorof the system but who have a need to cash checks drawn by makers whohave accounts or other relationships with the operator of the system.This may be, for example, a situation where a particular entity hascontracted with the operator of the system to honor checks for which theentity is a maker and which are deposited in a machine. Alternatively,other embodiments may be operative to cash checks for which theparticular maker of the check has an account relationship with theoperator of the system. As later discussed, in some exemplaryembodiments checks may be cashed at the ATMs 202 by users who areassociated with the makers of checks and who are correlated with datacorresponding to such makers in one or more data stores operativelyconnected to the system. Of course these approaches are exemplary and inother embodiments other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the operator of the system is enabledto configure system parameters through inputs at the administratorstation 212. Screen output 214 shown in FIG. 39 is representative of thetypes of information that a system operator may access through theadministrator station 212. Of course it should be appreciated thatbefore the user of the administrator station is able to access theseoptions the user is required to input a password or to satisfy othersuitable security requirements of the particular system.

In the exemplary embodiment, administrator personnel are enabled toaccess various functions of the system by selecting various options onthe list. These options may include reviewing terminal statusinformation, reviewing check transactions, downloading file informationfrom the host 206, uploading customer authorization files, editingcustomer authorization files, and changing user access passwords. Ofcourse, these options are exemplary and in other embodiments otheroptions may be provided.

In the exemplary embodiment, by selecting terminal status informationfrom screen output 224 the administrator personnel are presented at theadministrator terminal with output screens showing the status of theATMs connected in the system, as represented in screen output 226 shownin FIG. 40. Exemplary screen output 226 includes a listing of terminalsconnected in the system, their type, location and status information. Inthe exemplary embodiment administrator personnel are enabled to changethe status of each terminal between open and closed by selecting thelinks shown in screen 226. In addition in the exemplary embodimentadministrator personnel are enabled to check detailed status informationfor any selected one of the terminals by selecting the status optionassociated therewith on screen 226.

Selection of the status option for a particular terminal from screen 226enables an administrative user in the exemplary embodiment to reviewdetailed status information for the particular terminal as representedby the terminal status screen output 228 shown in FIG. 41. Screen output228 provides detailed status information with regard to the terminal andthe devices included therein. As can be seen in screen 228, in theexemplary embodiment the system provides an administrative user withinformation concerning the status of various currency dispensersincluded within the unit as well as amounts of currency remainingtherein. Screen output 228 also includes in the exemplary embodimentstatus information concerning transactions conducted at the terminal.Further in the exemplary embodiment screen output 228 enables thecustomer to link to more detailed information about transactionsconducted at the terminal as well as to obtain information on otherterminals connected in the system.

Referring again to screen output 224 shown in FIG. 39, an administrativeuser is also enabled to select the option of reviewing the check cashingtransactions that have been conducted in the system. Making thisselection in the exemplary embodiment causes the system to produce thescreen output 230 shown in FIG. 42 at the administrator terminal. Screenoutput 230 provides various options for the administrative user toobtain data concerning various transactions that have been conducted inthe system. For example, as represented in FIG. 42, an administrativeuser is enabled to conduct the various searches by date, terminal,customer or other information. By setting these parameters, anadministrative user is enabled to output various reports related tocheck cashing transactions that have been conducted in the system. Inthe exemplary embodiment various drop-down menus and populatable fieldsare provided within the screen output so as to facilitate the input ofdata and the making of selections related to searching customertransactions.

Screen output 232 in FIG. 43 represents an exemplary report that may beoutput through the administrator terminal in response to a searchrequest input in response to screen 230. It should be understood thatFIG. 43 is intended only to show the format of search results and thedata therein. It is not necessarily complete or representative of datawhich would be recalled in conducting an actual search. Further asrepresented by the arrows in FIG. 43, the columns of data are arrangedhorizontally in the exemplary output and are scrolled to by a user bymoving left to right. As can be appreciated from FIG. 43, numerous typesof searches can be conducted related to check cashing transactions andthe data related thereto displayed to an administrative user at theadministrator terminal.

Referring again to screen output 224 in FIG. 39, an administrative useris also enabled to select the option of downloading transaction filesfrom the system. In response to selecting this option, theadministrative user is provided in an exemplary embodiment with screenoutput 234 shown in FIG. 44. Screen output 234 enables an administrativeuser to select to receive various types of data from the system. Forexample in the exemplary embodiment, by selecting the availabletransaction files the user is enabled to receive a report which detailsall transactions that have been conducted at ATMs connected to thesystem during the current day and a set number of preceding days. Inaddition the administrative user is enabled to select various daily andmonthly report files that are available in the system. FIG. 45 includesa list 236 of such reports that are available in the exemplary system.Such reports readily enable the administrator of the exemplary system totrack activity related to check cashing that has occurred. In addition,such reports enable a system operator to determine the value of checksthat have been cashed by a particular maker and to facilitate assessingcharges against the maker or their account for checks that have beencashed. In addition, as can be appreciated, such reports also enable theuser to determine activity which has occurred at various terminals inthe system and to help assure that such systems remain stocked withadequate amounts of cash and supplies to accommodate the transactionvolumes. Of course it should be understood that the reports in list 236are exemplary and in other embodiments other types of reports andfunctions may be provided.

Returning to the options provided in screen output 224 shown in FIG. 39,another administrator option that is provided in the exemplaryembodiment is to upload maker authorization files to the system. In anexemplary embodiment checks drawn on particular check issuers, alsoreferred to as makers, are cashed at ATMs connected to the system.Information concerning the particular maker accounts is included inmaker records that are stored in the data store 208 in operativeconnection with the system. FIG. 48 schematically represents the datawhich is stored in an exemplary account record. As can be appreciated,in the exemplary account record is stored information on the maker'sinstitution which holds the maker's account. This is indicated as theBIN number. In addition, for each check maker a particular account typeand account number are specified in the record. In the exemplaryembodiment the account type is characterized as “other” and the maker'saccount is specifically directed to cashing checks drawn on the maker'saccount. Also included in the maker account record is account statusinformation. This account status information is enabled to be changed bythe administrative user between open and closed. In the open accountstatus, checks are enabled to be cashed that are drawn on the maker'saccount. The exemplary maker record also includes a text description ofthe maker account.

In the exemplary embodiment of the maker record, provision is made forspecifying a minimum time period between transactions. This delay periodis intended to prevent individuals cashing checks at the machine fromcashing checks more frequently than the specified delay period. Thishelps to reduce the risk that particular individuals will not presentchecks on a more frequent basis than is reasonable under thecircumstances and helps to reduce the risk of fraud.

A further aspect of the exemplary maker record shown in FIG. 48 is thespecification of a maximum check amount. This data indicates the highestvalue of check issued by a particular maker that will be cashed at themachine. In addition, in the exemplary embodiment the maker recordscreated at the administrator work station include a command which isutilized by the host computer 206 to determine how the maker record thatis delivered to it from the administrator station is to be treated. Forexample, those commands may include a change, deletion or the additionof a new file. It should be appreciated that the particular structure ofthe maker records are exemplary and in other embodiments other ordifferent types of data may be included.

In the exemplary embodiment, maker records are populated at theadministrator terminal and uploaded to the host. This is done in theexemplary embodiment by selecting the upload maker authorization fileoptions from the output screen 224. Selecting this option causes theadministrator station to produce the screen output 238 shown in FIG. 46.From this screen the administrative user is enabled to input the name ofthe file related to the accounts that the system is to upload to thehost. In the exemplary embodiment, after inputting the account name theuser selects the verify authorization file option from screen output238, which causes the administrator station to output the authorizationfile conversion screen output 240 shown in FIG. 47. Screen output 240shows the content of the file to be uploaded. In this exemplarysituation, the file includes nine maker accounts that are to be appliedto the host. To forward this file to the host, the administrative userselects the apply authorization button shown in screen output 240. Inthe exemplary embodiment when the selected file has applied to the hostand is stored in the database, the administrative station is operativeto produce the screen output 242 shown in FIG. 49. This screen output isoperative to indicate to the administrative user that the maker filesuploaded have been applied to the data store in operative connectionwith the host server.

A further option of the exemplary embodiment for the administrative userfrom screen output 224 is to edit customer authorization files.Selecting this option in the exemplary embodiment causes theadministrative terminal to produce the screen output 244 shown in FIG.50. Screen output 244 provides the administrative user with options forreviewing, editing, adding and deleting customers from the system. In anexemplary embodiment an administrative user is enabled to input a cardnumber associated with a check cashing user to recover record dataand/or to populate record data associated with the card number and theparticular user. For example, inputting a particular card number andselecting the get customer information button causes the administratorstation to output data in a customer authorization record represented byscreen output 246 in FIG. 51. The data in the customer authorizationrecord is enabled to be populated by the administrative user to indicateinformation related to the user. Further, the record information inscreen output 246 enables correlating in the database identifyinginformation concerning the user and specifically the user card numberwith a particular maker account. Such correlation in the exemplaryembodiment causes the authorization record information to be populatedwith information related to the particular maker, such as the delayperiod which is referred to as “lock out days” as well as the maximumpermitted check amount. Of course it should be understood that in someembodiments maximum amounts permitted to be cashed for particular usersmay be higher or lower than the maximum amount permitted to be cashedfor a particular maker. This will depend on the programming of theparticular system and the logic employed. As can be appreciated, it maybe desirable for some users to set the maximum check amount lower thanfor others, based on pay scales or other parameters.

In the exemplary embodiment, from a screen output 246 an administrativeuser is enabled to review the particular customer's transaction historyby selecting the transaction history option. This causes theadministrator terminal to output data concerning transactions conductedby the user, as represented by a screen output 248 in FIG. 52. As can beappreciated, in the exemplary embodiment each transaction that isconducted or attempted to be conducted by a user has correspondinginformation recorded in one or more data stores in operative connectionwith the system. This enables the system to calculate, for example,whether the specified delay period has passed before the user can cashanother check. In addition, this enables the system to monitortransactions and to uncover situations that may involve the theft orimproper presentation of checks. As shown in the exemplary transactionhistory record in FIG. 52, data is recorded related to successful andunsuccessful transactions that have been made by the user. Theadministrative users are enabled to recover the data related to suchtransactions and review them at the administrator station. Of coursethese records are exemplary and in other embodiments other records anddata may be provided.

In the exemplary embodiment the host system is programmed to operate inaccordance with its configuration to allow check cashing transactions tobe conducted under selected appropriate circumstances. As a result,transactions which do not meet particular parameters are denied.Examples of programmed parameters which are bases for denyingtransactions in the exemplary system are shown in the table 250 in FIGS.58 through 60. Of course it should be understood that these parametersare merely exemplary and in other systems and embodiments otherparameters and criteria may be used.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment, transactions by users may bedenied if a check cashing transaction is conducted before the expirationof the “lock out” or delay period that is programmed in the system inconnection with the particular maker of checks with which a user isassociated.

In some embodiments where users are being enrolled to use the system itmay be advisable to enable a particular user to conduct a firsttransaction to cash a check at a machine without first being enrolled inthe system. This would be permitted, for example, if the maker on whoseaccount the check is drawn is a participant in the system and the makercheck that is presented is below the maximum amount and meets othercriteria for cashing of the check. In some exemplary embodiments, onesuch transaction may be permitted by a consumer user who is not enrolledwith the system. However in such embodiments the record that such afirst transaction has been conducted is stored in one or more datastores. Further transactions by such a user are denied until the user isproperly enrolled and a record corresponding to the user is added to thedatabase and made active. However in some exemplary embodiments thesystem may operate to read the maker information on the first checkinput by the user and to automatically correlate the user and maker datain the database in response to cashing of the first check. This may havethe advantage that when the administrator personnel operate theadministrator station to modify the record data associated with theuser, the correlation between the user and the maker entity is alreadyestablished and the administrator personnel may verify this information.Of course this approach is exemplary and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

Also, as represented in FIG. 58, a further reason that a user may bedenied a transaction is that the user's card or other identifying datais not defined in the system. A user presenting such a card will not beallowed to conduct check cashing transactions. However, in someembodiments such a user may be permitted to conduct other types oftransactions. A further basis for a denial of transactions is that theaccount of the maker on which the check is drawn has been closed by theadministrator of the system. This may occur, for example, when thesystem administrator no longer is obligated to cash checks for thatparticular maker.

Also, as represented in FIG. 58, a check cashing transaction may bedenied by the system if the check amount exceeds the authorized amount.This may be the maximum check amount associated with the maker or theuser in cases where individual users have specified maximum checkamounts.

As further indicated in FIG. 59, the check cashing transaction may bedenied if a check is presented which is drawn on a maker that is notdefined in the system. This may occur, for example, when the entity thathas issued the check is not defined in the database as one for whichchecks are cashed. Similarly, the check cashing transaction may bedenied if an authorized user attempts to cash a check issued by a makerwhich, though identified in the system, is not the maker that isassociated with that particular user in the system.

As further represented in FIG. 59, check cashing transactions may bedenied due to machine malfunctions or the machine's inability to read avalid micr line. This may occur, for example, if the check has beensubject to damage or if the check does not conform to one of thetemplates that is used to identify a valid check by the system.

A further feature of some exemplary embodiments is the ability of theadministrator to identify certain user cards as no longer authorized.This may occur, for example, if a user reports their card stolen or ifthe user is suspected of cashing fraudulent checks. In suchcircumstances, the card may be listed by the administrator as a “hot”card. In such cases, the system may be programmed to have the ATM rejecttransactions and/or to capture such cards when they are presented at theATM.

As further represented in FIG. 59, check cashing transactions may bedenied in situations where the system is unable to deliver cash to theuser from the machine in an amount close enough to the amount that theuser is entitled to receive. This may occur, for example, if the ATMwhich the user is attempting to operate is out of various denominationsof currency and the closest amount that the machine can dispense abovethe amount of the check is in excess of the programmed limit.

Exemplary embodiments of the system are adapted to require a user toinput a corresponding personal identification number (PIN) in order tooperate the ATM. A failure to input the proper PIN prevents the userfrom conducting the transaction. Exemplary forms of the system areprogrammed so that if a user presenting a card makes three consecutiveunsuccessful attempts to input a correct PIN the user card is captured.

Also as represented in FIG. 59, transactions may be denied if the systemhas a requirement that a particular maker be assigned to the card beforeit can be used. This might occur, for example, in systems that do notemploy the capability for automatically correlating a maker with a userand/or a card upon the cashing of a first check.

Also as shown in FIGS. 59 and 60, check cashing transactions may bedenied in situations where data corresponding to a check amount or amaximum check amount is encoded in the micr line and the amount encodeddoes not correlate properly with the courtesy and/or legal amounts readfrom the check. Likewise, check cashing transactions may be denied insituations where the particular user card has been deactivated by anadministrator or has not been properly activated within the system.

It should be understood that these particular reasons for denying checkcashing transactions are exemplary. In other embodiments and systems,additional or other reasons may be used for denying check cashingtransactions.

An exemplary logic flow associated with a check cashing transaction isrepresented in FIGS. 53 through 56. It should be understood that thistransaction flow is schematic and does not show other or additionalsteps that may also occur in connection with the steps represented.

As represented in a step 252, the ATM receives from a user in a step 252the account and PIN number data that identifies the user. This is donein an exemplary embodiment by the ATM reading the user's card andreceiving the input of the user's PIN through a keypad. Although notrepresented in FIG. 53, if the user's card number and PIN do notcorrespond, the user is prevented from conducting further steps withinthe system. Of course in other embodiments the user may be enabled toconduct transactions without a PIN or may provide other identifyinginputs, as previously discussed.

The ATM receives the check through the IDM and reads the account datafrom the micr line. This is indicated schematically in a step 253.Thereafter the ATM is operative to receive the amount of the check asindicated in a step 256. As previously discussed, in some embodimentsreceiving the amount of the check may involve reading the courtesyamount and verifying through the operation of the system that the levelof assurance that the courtesy amount has been properly read is above aset level of confidence. In other embodiments, receiving the checkamount may include reading the legal amount along with or in lieu of thecourtesy amount. In other embodiments it may include reading dataencoded in the micr line which corresponds to the check amount. In stillother embodiments, as previously discussed, the user may be requested toinput the amount of the check through an input device such as a keypad.In each case, one or more computers in operative connection with the ATMmay be operative to verify that the amount of the check has beenproperly received. Of course these approaches are exemplary, and inother embodiments other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary logic shown in FIG. 53, at least one computer inoperative connection with the ATM operates to check in a step 258whether the card data which identifies the user is related in thedatabase. If so, the logic proceeds to a next step 260, where the statusof the card based on information in the database is determined. If thecard account is not in the database, the computer executes thetransaction denial logic shown in FIG. 57, which is later discussed.

After determining the card status in step 260, the system determines ifthe card status is such that no prior transactions have been conductedwith the valid card. This is determined in a step 262. If the system isprogrammed to allow a first use of valid cards without prior userenrollment, a next step 264 is executed in which it is determinedwhether a prior transaction has been performed with the particular card.In the exemplary embodiment, if such a prior transaction has beenperformed with the card, the transaction is rejected. If, however, noprior transaction has been performed, the system moves ahead in thelogic flow as indicated.

From step 262, if the card has not been set to a first use but the cardnonetheless is a valid card, the system executes a step 266 in which itis determined whether the card status is indicated as active in thedatabase. If not, the transaction is rejected. However, if the card isactive, a determination is then made in a step 268 as to whether thedata that has been read from the check corresponds to a maker identifiedin the database as one for whom checks are to be accepted. It will benoted from FIG. 54 that this is also the next step that is executed fromstep 264 when a first use of a card is allowed without enrollment and nofirst use has yet been performed.

In step 268 if it is determined that the check is drawn on a maker forwhom the system allows the cashing of checks, the system operates torecover information on the maximum check value for which a check will becashed. This is done in a step 270. Of course, as previously discussed,in some embodiments the system may also include maximum amounts forparticular users, and the system may include rules as to which amountcontrols. In such cases the determination as to the maximum amount ofthe check that can be accepted may be determined at this point in thelogic flow.

After determining the maximum value of a check that may be cashed underthe circumstances of the transaction, the system next determines in astep 272 whether the amount of the check being presented is in excess ofthe maximum permitted amount. This may be done through analysis of imagedata as described above. If the check amount is greater than the maximumamount permitted, the transaction is rejected. However, if the check isbelow the maximum, the transaction proceeds.

In a step 274 the system reviews the records related to the particularuser and determines the time of the last prior check cashing event bythe particular user. The system then calculates the period since thecashing of the last check. In a step 276 the time that has passed sincethe user's last check cashing transaction is compared to the delayperiod that is associated with the particular maker of the check thatthe user is seeking to cash. If the time that has elapsed is beyond thedelay period, the transaction proceeds. However if the delay period hasnot expired the transaction is rejected.

In some embodiments, particular users of the system may be entitled toan incentive payment. Such incentive payments may be provided toencourage users to cash their checks through ATMs, or for other reasons.Information about users who are entitled to receive incentives may beincluded in one or more data stores in the system. Alternatively in someembodiments, particular users may be required to pay a service charge orother fees associated with check cashing transactions. This may depend,for example, on the relationship between the administrator of the systemand the particular maker whose checks are to be cashed. As representedin a step 268, one or more computers connected in the system areoperative to determine if a particular user is subject to a servicecharge or is entitled to receive an incentive. In the exemplaryembodiment, the system determines if the customer is to be assessed aservice charge in a step 280. Thereafter in the exemplary embodiment theATM that the customer is operating prompts the user to indicate whetherthey accept the service charge in a step 282. If the user declines toaccept the service charge, the transaction is rejected.

If the user accepts the service charge in step 282 or if no servicecharge is applicable, one or more computers in the exemplary systemcalculate the amount due to the user in a step 284. This may include insome exemplary embodiments not only the amount of the check but also anyincentive payments to which the user may be entitled. After calculatingthe amount due the user, the system operates to determine the mix ofcurrencies which will be dispensed to the user from the particular ATM.This is represented in a step 286. As previously mentioned, in someexemplary embodiments the system is provided to provide the user withthe payment to the exact amount or to an amount which the machine candispense which is above the exact amount which the user is entitled toreceive, provided that the amount dispensed does not exceed a particularlimit. Further in exemplary embodiments, one or more computers in thesystem are operative to determine the mix of bills and coins that willbe dispensed to the user. This will be done so as to enable the systemto continue to cash checks for as long as possible without the need toreplenish the denominations in the ATMs. The message sent from the hostmay include data corresponding to the number and type of each coin andbill to be dispensed. Alternatively the ATM resident computer maycalculate the coin and bill mix. Of course, these approaches areexemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment after determining the mix of bills and coinsto be dispensed to the user, the host computer sends one or moremessages to the ATM being operated by the user, instructing the ATM todispense currency having a particular value to the user. This isrepresented in a step 288. In response to these instructions, the ATM isoperative to dispense cash value to the user. After dispensing the cashvalue, the ATM is operative to return a message to the host computerindicating whether or not it was able to accomplish the requesteddispense successfully. The system then determines if the dispense wassuccessfully carried out in a step 290. If the dispense could not besuccessfully carried out, the transaction is rejected.

In the exemplary embodiment, if the ATM has successfully dispensed thecash value, one or more computers in the system is thereafter operativeto store the information in one or more data stores concerning the checkcashing transaction. This is represented in step 290 in FIG. 56. Inaddition, the ATM status data is also updated, as represented in a step292. In addition, in exemplary embodiments the ATM may be operative toimage the check and to store data representative of the appearancethereof and/or to provide the image data at a point proximate in time orat a later time to a remote computer such as check image server 214shown in FIG. 38. In addition, the ATM may be operative to conductprinting on the check or to otherwise cancel and/or store the check.This is represented in FIG. 56 by a step 294.

Thereafter, the ATM is operative to close the transaction for the user.This may include, for example, returning the user's card and printingand providing the user with a receipt for the transaction. This isrepresented in a step 296. Of course in other embodiments additionalsteps may be taken. Thereafter, as represented in the exemplarytransaction flow, the check cashing ATM is ready to conduct anothercheck cashing transaction.

As represented in FIG. 57, if in the exemplary transaction sequence itis determined that the check cashing transaction cannot be conducted,the user is advised through the ATM that the check that they havepresented cannot be accepted. This is represented in a step 298. Asrepresented in a step 300, the system then operates to have the checkreturned to the user by the ATM. It should be understood, however, thatin some embodiments where the system determines that the check appearsto be fraudulent, the ATM may operate to capture the check to preventits presentation to other entities.

As represented in a step 302, the exemplary form of the system isoperative to record in the database, information concerning theattempted transaction and the reasons for its denial. This isrepresented in a step 302. Finally, as represented in a step 304, thesystem operates to close the transaction. Generally this will includereturning to the customer their card and indicating reasons through theATM why the transaction could not be conducted. In some embodiments,however, as previously discussed, if the system determines that it isnot appropriate to return the card to the user the card may be retainedin the ATM.

It should be understood that the transaction flow shown in FIGS. 53through 57 is merely exemplary, and other or additional steps may beused. These additional steps may include, without limitation, logic flowassociated with determining additional reasons for denying transactionsas described in connection with FIGS. 58 through 60. Further in someembodiments additional business logic may be applied in makingdeterminations as to whether the system should cash a particular check.

An alternative embodiment of a system for cashing checks through ATMsand delivering images of such checks for further processing isrepresented by a system generally indicated 350 in FIG. 61. System 350includes a plurality of ATMs 352 which communicate through one or morenetworks 354 with one or more remote computers represented as an ATMhost 356. ATM host 356 communicates with the ATMs to conducttransactions generally in the manner previously described. In theexemplary embodiment the ATM transaction host can communicate with theATMs 352 for purposes of carrying out a plurality of transactions. Thesemay include cash dispensing transactions that do not involve receipt ofa check, deposit accepting transactions which involve receipt of deposititems such as checks, balance inquiries, account transfers and/or otheror different transactions depending on the ATM type used and theprogramming by the operator of the system.

The exemplary system 350 may differ from the systems previouslydescribed in that electronic image data corresponding to both the frontand the back of each check presented at the machine is deliveredremotely from the machine for purposes of further processing. Furtherprocessing is facilitated in the exemplary embodiment by the ATMproviding image data with transaction identifying data which can be usedto facilitate the further processing of the transaction. In theexemplary embodiment the transaction identifying data is provided by theATM host in the message that the host sends to the ATM authorizing theacceptance of the check. This transaction identifying data may includethe information that is needed for further processing of a settlement ofthe check. In some embodiments this enables the image messages which aredelivered by the ATM, to be used to process the check electronically asa substitute for the paper document. This may also avoid the need torecover some additional transaction data from other sources or systemsbecause such data has been associated by the ATM with the image as partof the image message. Of course this approach is exemplary and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment a check cashing transaction or othertransaction including presentation of a check conducted at one of theATMs 352 proceeds in accordance with the logic schematically representedin FIG. 62. The transaction logic as represented begins at a step 358 inwhich a user inserts their card. This may include for example a debitcard of the user which includes the user's name, primary account numberor other user identifying information. In addition it should beunderstood that although in the schematic representation the user is notindicated as being required to input a PIN or other identifying datasuch as a biometric input, the input of such data may be required insome embodiments.

After the user has input identifying information to input devices of theuser interface of the ATM at which a transaction is being conducted, thelogic proceeds to a step 360 in which the user selects a checkacceptance transaction. This is generally done in response to outputsthrough one or more output devices of the ATM such as the displayscreen. In the exemplary embodiment the option for having checksaccepted in the machine is one of several transaction options availableto users of the machine.

After the user has selected a check transaction in step 360 the logicflow proceeds to a step 362. In this step the exemplary machine isoperative to prompt the user as to whether they wish to receive cash inexchange for the input check or whether they wish to have the value ofthe check credited to their account. From this step 362 if the userprovides one or more inputs to indicate that they wish to receive cashin exchange for the check, the machine executes a step represented in364 and the terminal processor operates to include in the message anindication that the user is not only seeking to deposit a check but alsoto make a withdrawal as part of the transaction. In step 364 theterminal processor of the exemplary embodiment is also operative toarrange for the inclusion of appropriate data in messages that areeventually sent to the ATM host so as to indicate the customer'sselections.

Once the customer has indicated that they wish to receive cash inexchange for the check or a customer declines to receive such cash andindicates they wish to deposit the amount of the check in their account,the logic next proceeds to a step 366. In step 366 the customer insertsthe check into the machine and the check is processed by the IDM in theexemplary embodiment. Of course in other embodiments the check may bereceived in the ATM by other types of check accepting devices. The checkis also imaged by the check imaging device included in the IDM.

In the exemplary embodiment electronic images comprised of image datarepresenting both the front and the rear of the check are produced. Inaddition in the exemplary embodiment in step 366 the terminal processoris operative to analyze the image data by reading the indicia on thecheck. This includes analyzing the indicia which corresponds to the micrline and producing the data which corresponds thereto which can beincluded in an ATM transaction request message. Further in the exemplaryembodiment in step 366 the terminal processor is operative to determinean amount associated with the check which can be done in the mannerpreviously discussed such as by using character recognition software todetermine the amount of the check based on the courtesy amount, thelegal amount or other amounts on the check. Of course these approachesare exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment after the check has been inserted in step366 the terminal processor is operative to prompt the user to input theamount of the check in a step 368. This may serve to assure that thecharacter recognition software has analyzed the amount of the checkcorrectly. As previously discussed, in some embodiments an image of theface of the check may be displayed to the user through an output deviceon the ATM at the time the request is input so that the user can reviewthe amount as they are providing the input rather than having toremember the exact amount of the check. Of course various approaches maybe used.

The transaction logic next proceeds to a step 370 in which a transactionrequest message is sent to the ATM host 356. This may be done in themanner previously discussed by sending one or more messages to the ATMhost. Generally such messages will include an indication of the identityof the customer and/or their account, encrypted verification data suchas a PIN number or biometric identifier, an indication of the nature ofthe transaction that the customer wishes to conduct and the amountinvolved. Further in the exemplary embodiment the message sent to theATM host includes data corresponding to the micr line data, the amountof the check and the terminal identifier associated with the ATM atwhich the customer is conducting the transaction. Of course additionalinformation may also be included in the one or more messages.

In response to receiving the one or more messages in step 370 the ATMhost 356 is operative to determine whether the transaction should bepermitted and to generate a response message. The response message inthe exemplary embodiment generally includes instruction data which isoperative to cause devices in the ATM to operate appropriately asdetermined by the ATM transaction host. This may include for example inthe case of a check cashing transaction, accepting the check into astorage area in the machine and if appropriate dispensing cash from themachine to the user. Alternatively the instruction data may includeinformation indicating that the check will not be accepted, and theinstruction data may cause the machine to indicate to the customer thatthe transaction is denied and in appropriate cases the check may becaptured by the machine or returned to the customer. The receipt of theresponse message from the ATM host by the ATM is represented in a step372.

In the exemplary embodiment the ATM host 356 is operative to include inthe responsive message sent to the ATM, transaction identifying data.The transaction identifying data in the exemplary embodiment isrepresented in the table 374 shown in FIG. 63. The transactionidentifying data includes data representative of information that isuseful by being correlated with an electronic image of the check forpurposes of further processing the check image. In the exemplaryembodiment the transaction identifying data includes five fields. Ofcourse in other embodiments greater or lesser amounts or other types oftransaction identifying data may be included. In the exemplaryembodiment the transaction identifying data includes a pseudo number.The pseudo number in the exemplary embodiment is an identifier which isuseable by the operator of the system to identify particular aspects ofthe transaction. In the exemplary embodiment the pseudo number isrepresentative of the particular entity which is the owner or otherwiseresponsible for the ATM at which the check is being cashed by the user.The transaction identifying data further includes a field which is acustomer number corresponding to the customer of the entity providingthe service. In some cases the customer number may correspond to thesame entity as the pseudo number in that the customer of the service isthe same entity as the entity responsible for the ATM. However, in manysituations the customer number is the particular entity that offers theservice related to cashing the check but is not the entity who owns theterminal. For example the check cashing terminal may be located at aconvenience store and the pseudo number may be associated with theconvenience store. The check cashing service may be offered by aparticular financial institution such as the bank, credit union,insurance company or other entity that has decided to offer checkcashing services. In the exemplary embodiment this entity may berepresented by the customer number. Of course this approach is exemplaryand in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

The transaction identifying data in the exemplary embodiment includes ahost business date. The host business date of the exemplary embodimentincludes time and date data at the location of the ATM host and reflectsthe time at which the transaction request was received. Exemplarytransaction data also includes a sequence number. The sequence number isa number assigned by the ATM host to uniquely identify the particulartransaction. Of course as can be appreciated, numerical identifiers havea practical limit as to size and in exemplary embodiments sequenceidentifiers may eventually be reused because the sequence number isassociated with other identifying data such as the time and date data.

The exemplary transaction identifying data further includes a terminalidentifier associated with the ATM at which the transaction isconducted. As previously mentioned, in the exemplary embodiment themessage received by the ATM host from the ATM includes datacorresponding to the particular ATM. In the exemplary embodiment thisdata corresponding to that received from the ATM is sent back to the ATMas part of the transaction identifying data.

As can be appreciated additional or other data may be used astransaction identifying data in alternative embodiments. This mayinclude data that was included in the transaction request messagereceived from the ATM. Such data may include information such as thecustomer, account number data, amount data, certain data from the micrline that identifies the institution on which the account is drawnand/or other data that may be useful in terms of processing the checkimage or the settlement of the transaction. Of course the transactionidentifying data may vary in some embodiments due to the needs of theparticular system operator and the system configuration.

It should also be understood that in some embodiments the ATM processormay operate to produce or populate directly some or all of thetransaction identifying data. For example in some embodimentsinformation that is included in the transaction request message may bepopulated in one or more records or files at the ATM and be associatedwith image data along with data that is received from the host.Alternatively all image associated data may be generated by the ATMbased on ATM programming independently of information received from thehost. Of course various approaches may be used.

Returning to the discussion of the exemplary logic represented in FIG.62, it will be assumed that in step 372 the ATM host authorizes thetransaction. In response thereto the ATM proceeds to a step 376. In step376 the ATM terminal processor causes the ATM to operate in accordancewith the instruction data. This may include for example cancelling thecheck and accepting it for storage in the ATM. Alternatively or inaddition if the customer has requested to receive cash in exchange forthe check the ATM operates in accordance with the instructions includedin the message received from the host to cause the cash dispenser in theATM to operate to dispense to the user an appropriate amount of cash.

Although it is not shown in the exemplary logic flow, in the exemplaryembodiment part of the activities conducted as part of step 376 tocomplete the transaction is for the ATM to indicate back to the ATM hostthrough one or more messages whether the transaction was able to becompleted successfully. In the exemplary embodiment the ATM sends one ormore messages to the ATM host indicating whether the ATM was able tocarry out the transaction successfully responsive to the instructiondata. In situations where the ATM is not able to carry out thetransaction, appropriate measures are taken by the ATM host and/or theATM depending on the nature of the failure. This may include for examplenot crediting the user's account in cases where the check is returned tothe user, or crediting a user's account for the check in a case wherecash is not dispensed. Of course this is exemplary of many steps thatmay be taken in response to a malfunction.

In the exemplary embodiment once the ATM has received the transactionidentifying data, the ATM is operative to send data corresponding to anelectronic image of the front and back of the check as well as thetransaction identifying data to a remote computer. The ATM taking thisaction is represented in a step 378. In the exemplary embodiment the ATMis operative to send an image message including image data comprisingthe electronic image(s) and transaction identifying data to an image andtransaction server represented 380 in FIG. 61. In the exemplaryembodiment the image and transaction server 380 is a different computerthan the ATM host. Of course in other embodiments other approaches maybe used.

In carrying out step 378 the ATM is operative to send to the server 380an image message including the data represented in table 382 shown inFIG. 64. In the exemplary embodiment the image message sent by the ATMto server 380 includes data corresponding to each of the items oftransaction identifying data received by the ATM in step 372. Althoughin the exemplary embodiment all of the transaction identifying data ispart of the image message, in other embodiments only the portions of thedata may be included or additional or other forms of data may beincluded. Further in alternative embodiments the data may be deliveredin multiple messages.

In the exemplary image message there is also included data correspondingto the indicia in the micr line of the check. This may include analphanumeric or other character representation as determined by thecharacter recognition software operating in the ATM, of the indiciaincluded in the micr line portion of the image on the check. Alsoincluded in the image message is data representative of the length ofthe images of the front and back of the check. In addition the exemplaryimage message includes the image data for the front and the back of thecheck. In the exemplary embodiment the image data is provided in themessage in a bitmap format, and in some embodiments may be provided as aTIFF file. Of course as previously discussed other or additionalinformation may be included in the image message. Further although inthe exemplary embodiment the image message is sent as a single messagein other embodiments the necessary data may be provided as multiplemessages. Further in the exemplary embodiment while it is shown that theimage message is dispatched to a single image server, in alternativeembodiments messages may be dispatched to multiple servers or differentmessages may be sent to different remote servers depending on the natureof the processing to be done with regard to the check.

In the exemplary embodiment the ATM is operative to contact the imageserver which operates to listen for a socket connection from the ATM.The image server operates in response to establishing a socketconnection with the ATM to spawn a new image socket thread to handle thecheck image message and for the transaction identifying data to bereceived. The exemplary image socket thread operates to parse the imagemessage into its individual fields and to check the parsed fields forappropriate syntax and validity. The exemplary socket thread furthercreates the directory structure for the transmitted check images andsaves the front and back electronic images as part of this process. Theimage server operates in accordance with this programming to change thefront and back images of the check from the bitmap format to a differentformat. In the exemplary embodiment the image data is converted to aJPEG file which compresses the image data and which may facilitate itsuse and transmission to other connected computers. Of course thisapproach is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

In addition the server is operative to create a new entry in thedatabase with the fields parsed from the check, which enables theproduction of tabularized data which can be accessed and utilized in amanner later discussed. The exemplary image socket thread is furtheroperative to acknowledge receipt of the message to the ATM to close thesocket connection and to the image socket thread.

The activity by the image and transaction server 380 in processing thedata through the image socket thread is represented in a step 384 inFIG. 62. The activity executed by the software which produces the threadin sending an acknowledgment back to the ATM, is also represented inFIG. 62 by a step 386. Of course it should be understood that theseprocesses and steps are exemplary and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

The image and transaction server 380 of the exemplary embodimentoperates to provide authorized users with access to transaction data andimages related to check cashing transactions that are conducted at ATMs.This may be done in a manner similar to that previously discussed inconnection with the cashing of checks that are drawn on particularaccounts. Specifically in some embodiments users that have contractedfor processing services are enabled to find information concerningtransactions that have been conducted, analyze transactions and conductother activities as may be appropriate for purposes of managing theirbusiness activities and/or the ATMs for which they may be responsible.As represented in FIG. 61 access to data which is resident on theimaging transaction server 380, may be authorized to remote computersoperated by authorized users represented 388, 390 and 392. Clientcomputers 388, 390 and 392 are enabled to communicate with imagingtransaction server 380 through a network 394. Network 394 may constitutea variety of different types of public or private networks. It shouldfurther be understood that in some cases, such as when a public networksuch as the Internet is used to access server 380, security measures inaddition to those specifically discussed herein may be appropriate toassure the privacy and integrity of the data.

In the exemplary embodiment of the system 350 the ATM host and image andtransaction server are operated by Diebold Transaction Services, Inc.(DTS), a wholly owned subsidiary of the assignee of the presentinvention. In the exemplary embodiment the DTS services includeoperating a service bureau environment for driving ATMs and processingtransactions for third parties. Authorized individuals at such thirdparties are enabled to access the data from the server 380. It should beunderstood that numerous types of data may be processed and presented,and that the nature of the data discussed herein is exemplary thediscussion and is generally limited to transaction data associated withcheck processing transactions. It should be understood that additionaltypes of transactions may be conducted and that other or additionaltypes of data may be accessed and utilized by individuals who requiresuch services.

FIG. 65 shows an exemplary output screen 396 of a type which can beaccessed by a user at a remote client computer through a network 394.Screen 396 explains information about the entity operating the imageserver and provides options for users to select.

In response to selecting customer access from the screen 396, the imageserver 380 is operative to present to the user a login screen 398represented in FIG. 66. Screen 398 requires the user to input name andpassword information so as to verify that they are an authorized user.Of course this approach is exemplary and as discussed other oradditional procedures may be implemented to assure that any authorizedpersons may review the data.

In response to an input by an authorized user, the image server 380 isoperative to present to the user a screen which includes the data whichthe user is authorized to access. In the case of a user who isauthorized to access data regarding check cashing transactions, a screen400 shown in FIG. 67 is presented. Exemplary screen 400 is operative todisplay a summary of check cashing transactions associated with theuser's institution, to provide the user with a number of selections thatmay be made in order to obtain information about the transactions aswell as to change certain parameters, to update information, to find outinformation about the status of ATM terminals for which they areresponsible, and to conduct other activities. Of course these selectionsare exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

From screen 400 if the customer selects to review transactioninformation and the imaging transaction server is operative to cause theuser to be presented with a screen 402 shown in FIG. 68. Screen 402 issimilar to screen 230 previously discussed. Screen 402 enables thecustomer to sort through transactions and to locate transactions ofinterest for which data is available on server 380.

Responsive to customer inputs placed in the fields represented in screen402, server 380 is operative to process data stored in one or more datastores and to provide an output in a tabularized format to the userresponsive to the data requested. An exemplary output is table 404 shownin FIG. 69. Table 404 is somewhat similar in format to the table shownin FIG. 43 previously discussed and includes some of the same types ofdata. In the exemplary embodiment however table 404 also includes icons406. Icons 406 are associated with the data for transactions in whichelectronic check images are available through server 380. Icons 406 ofthe exemplary embodiment comprise a graphic representation of a face ofthe check. This conveys to the user that a check image for thetransaction is available. Of course this approach is exemplary and inother embodiments other approaches may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment an authorized user accessing the tabularizeddata in table 404 may review check images by selecting the icon 406associated with a particular transaction. Selecting such an icon for atransaction is operative to cause the server 380 to produce an outputincluding the check image associated with that transaction. This isrepresented in FIG. 70 by an image 408. Check image 408 in the exemplaryembodiment comprises a graphical representation produced on the outputdevice of a client computer showing visual representations of the frontand back of the associated check. This enables an authorized user toreview the check in conjunction with the transaction data so as tofacilitate further processing or other related transaction activities.

As can be appreciated authorized users may wish to download transactiondata and check image data for purposes of processing transactions. Insome situations authorized users may employ the check image data as asubstitute for the paper check for purposes of achieving settlement. Forexample if the authorized user is the drawer institution which holds theaccount on which the check is drawn, the drawer institution may operateto archive the check image along with the other transaction data. Thedrawer institution may utilize the data associated with the check and/orinformation received through communication with the ATM host, forpurposes of making the appropriate debits and credits to the respectiveaccounts. The institution may also make the electronic image of thecheck available as a substitute for the paper document to the particularentity which is the maker of the check. Of course these activities areexemplary of many that may be conducted.

In addition as represented in FIG. 61, in some embodiments or situationsthe entity operating the ATM receives checks that are drawn on accountsfor which the entity is not responsible. In such cases the checks mayneed to be processed through a clearing house. Such a clearing houseprocesses the transactions to assure that the institutions areappropriately credited and debited with regard to check transactions.This is represented in FIG. 61 by a clearing house 410. In someexemplary embodiments the data available through the image server whichincludes the transaction data and the associated check images may besent pursuant to the direction of an authorized user or automatically toan appropriate clearing house in an electronic format. The dataassociated with the check images may enable the clearing house toutilize the data to accomplish settlement electronically between theparticular institution upon which the check has been drawn,schematically represented 412, and an institution holding the account ofthe entity to which the check is payable. This is represented by aninstitution 414. This may be done electronically through communicationsby the clearing house through one or more networks schematicallyrepresented 416.

In addition the clearing house may be operative to forwardelectronically to the institution upon which the check is drawn, theelectronic representation of the check which may serve as an electronicreplacement document. The drawer institution in some embodiments mayfurther provide the electronic replacement document comprising the imageof the check to its customer either in hard copy or electronic formatfor purposes of enabling the maker of the check to balance theiraccounts.

Of course it should be understood that the system represented in FIG. 61is exemplary and represented schematically. However, it will beappreciated that the exemplary embodiment of the system enables theimage of the check to be captured at the ATM and associated withappropriate transaction identifying data which facilitates the furtherprocessing of the check. Further in the exemplary embodiment, becausethe image data is associated by the ATM with the necessary transactiondata for processing, the image messages which include such data can bemore readily processed and forwarded to the appropriate entities whichmay utilize them to complete the transactions and to accomplish thenecessary settlement functions.

Thus the deposit accepting apparatus and system of the exemplaryembodiments achieve at least some of the above stated objectives,eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of prior devices andsystems, and attain the useful results described herein.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been described asexemplary embodiments for purposes of brevity, clarity andunderstanding. However no unnecessary limitations are to be impliedtherefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and areintended to be broadly construed. Moreover the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is notlimited to the features shown or described.

Further, in the following claims any feature described as a means forperforming a function shall be construed as encompassing any means knownto those skilled in the art as being capable of carrying out the recitedfunction, and shall not be deemed limited to the particular means shownor described for performing the recited function in the foregoingdescription, or mere equivalents thereof.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, any ofthe advantages and useful results attained; the new and usefulstructures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations,systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships areset forth in the appended claims.

1. Apparatus comprising: an automated banking machine including: a userinterface, the user interface including at least one first input deviceadapted to receive at least one identifying input from each user of themachine; a cash dispenser, wherein the cash dispenser is selectivelyoperative to dispense cash from the machine; at least one check readingdevice in the machine, wherein the at least one check reading device isadapted to read indicia on checks input to an opening of the machine; atleast one check holding area in the machine; at least one transport inthe machine, wherein the at least one transport is operative toselectively move checks in the machine between the opening, the at leastone check reading device and at least one check holding area; at leastone computer in operative connection with the banking machine, whereinthe at least one computer is in operative connection with at least onedata store; wherein the at least one data store includes datacorresponding to at least one authorized user and data corresponding toat least one authorized check maker, and data associating datarepresentative of at least one authorized user and at least oneauthorized maker; and wherein responsive to the machine receiving from afirst user through the at least one first input device, at least onefirst identifying input corresponding to the first user, and readingthrough operation of the at least one check reading device a first checkincluding indicia corresponding to a first maker, the at least onecomputer is operative responsive to data stored in the at least one datastore to determine if the first user is an authorized user, the firstmaker is an authorized maker and the data corresponding to the firstuser is associated in the data store with the data corresponding to thefirst maker, and responsive to a determining that the first user is anauthorized user, that the first maker is an authorized maker and thatthe data corresponding to the first user is associated in the data storewith data corresponding to the first maker, the at least one computer isoperative to cause the cash dispenser to operate to dispense cash to thefirst user and to cause the transport to move the check to the at leastone check holding area in the machine.
 2. The apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein the at least one data store includes data representativeof a prior time when a prior check including indicia associated with thefirst maker was cashed by the first user, and data representative of adelay period, and wherein the at least one computer is operative todetermine if the first check is presented at a current time beyond thedelay period from the prior time, and is operative to cause the at leastone cash dispenser to operate, wherein cash is dispensed to the firstuser only if the current time is beyond the delay period from the priortime.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2 and further comprising adepository module in the machine, the depository module being inoperative connection with the computer, and wherein the depositorymodule includes the at least one check reading device, and whereinresponsive to the at least one computer determining the current time isnot beyond the delay period from the prior time, the computer isoperative to cause the at least one transport to operate such that thefirst check is caused to be returned to the first user from the machine.4. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the data representative ofthe delay period is associated in the at least one data store with atleast one of the first user and the first maker.
 5. The apparatusaccording to claim 4 wherein the data representative of the delay periodis associated in the at least one data store with data representative ofthe first maker, and wherein the at least one data store includes datarepresentative of a plurality of users correlated with the first maker,wherein each of the plurality of users is prevented from receiving cashfrom the machine in exchange for a check including indicia associatedwith the first maker for the delay period from the respective user'sprior time of receiving cash from a machine for the respective checkhaving indicia associated with the first maker.
 6. The apparatusaccording to claim 4 wherein the data representative of the delay periodis associated in the at least one data store with the first user, andwherein the at least one data store includes data representative of aplurality of users correlated with the data representative of the firstmaker, wherein each of the plurality of users have different respectiveassociated delay periods, wherein each of the plurality of users issubject to being prevented from receiving cash from the machine inexchange for a respective check having indicia associated with the firstmaker, responsive to the respective user's associated delay period andthe respective user's prior time of receiving cash for providing arespective check having indicia associated with the first maker to themachine.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the datarepresentative of the prior time is indicative of no prior use of themachine by the first user, and wherein the at least one computer isoperative responsive to the data representative of the prior timeindicating no prior use to cause the cash dispenser to operate, whereincash is dispensed to the first user.
 8. The apparatus according to claim7 wherein the at least one computer is operative to change data storedin the at least one data store to cause the data representative of thefirst user to be correlated with data representative of the first maker,responsive to the machine receiving a check from the first userincluding indicia associated with the first maker and the prior timebeing indicative of no prior use.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 7wherein the at least one check reading device is operative to readindicia on the first check corresponding to a first check amount, andwherein the at least one data store includes data representative of amaximum check amount associated with data representative of the firstmaker, and wherein the at least one computer is operative to cause thefirst check amount and the maximum check amount to be compared, and theat least one computer causes the machine to operate such that cash isdispensed to the first user only if the first check amount does notexceed the maximum check amount.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 7wherein the at least one computer is operative responsive to thedispense of cash to the first user to include in the at least one datastore, data representative of a prior time, and wherein the at least onecomputer is operative to cause the first user to be prevented fromreceiving cash from the machine for a second check presented at a latertime, responsive to the data representative of the prior time.
 11. Theapparatus according to claim 10 and further comprising an administratorstation in operative connection with the at least one data store,wherein the administrator station is operative responsive to at leastone input thereto to associate data associated with the first user anddata associated with the first maker, and wherein after the dataassociated with the first user and first maker are associated in the atleast one data store, the at least one computer is not operative toprevent the first user from receiving cash in exchange for a secondcheck associated with the first maker presented at the machine.
 12. Theapparatus according to claim 2 wherein responsive to the machinedispensing cash to the first user, the at least one computer isoperative to cause to be stored in the at least one data store, datarepresentative of the current time as the prior time, for purposes offurther transactions by the first user.
 13. The apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein the at least one check reading device is operative toread indicia in a micr line on the first check, and wherein the indiciaincluded in the micr line is indicative of the first maker.
 14. Theapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one check readingdevice is operative to read indicia corresponding to a first amount onthe first check, and wherein the at least one computer is operative tocause the machine to dispense a value of cash to the first userresponsive to the first amount.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 14wherein the at least one cash dispenser is adapted to dispense aplurality of different denominations of cash, and wherein the value ofcash dispensed is above but as close to the first amount as can beconstituted with cash denominations available in the machine.
 16. Theapparatus according to claim 14 wherein the at least one data storeincludes data representative of a maximum check amount associated withdata representative of the first maker, and wherein the at least onecomputer is operative to cause cash to be dispensed to the first useronly if the first amount does not exceed the maximum check amount. 17.The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the at least one data storeincludes data representative of a maximum check amount associated withthe data representative of the first user, and wherein the at least onecomputer is operative to cause cash to be dispensed form the machine tothe first user only if the first amount does not exceed the maximumcheck amount.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the atleast one computer is operative responsive to data stored in the atleast one data store, to determine that the first user is entitled to amonetary incentive, and to cause an additional amount to be dispensed tothe first user from the machine in response thereto.
 19. The apparatusaccording to claim 18 wherein the at least one database includes datarepresentative of prior cashing of at least one check by the first user,and wherein the at least one computer is operative to determine that thefirst user is entitled to a monetary incentive responsive to the datarepresentative of the prior cashing.
 20. The apparatus according toclaim 18 wherein the at least one data store includes datarepresentative of at least one service charge and data representative ofa plurality of users subject to at least one service charge, and whereinthe at least one computer is operative responsive to at least oneidentifying input received from the first user to determine if the firstuser is subject to a service charge, and is operative to cause theservice charge to be deducted from an amount dispensed from the machineto the user.
 21. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at leastone data store includes data representative of at least one servicecharge and data representative of a plurality of users subject to atleast one service charge, and wherein at least one computer is operativeresponsive to at least one identifying input received from the firstuser to determine that the first user is subject to a service charge,and wherein the at least one computer is operative to cause the servicecharge to be deducted from an amount dispensed from the machine to thefirst user.
 22. The apparatus according to claim 1 and furthercomprising at least one administrator station in operative connectionwith the at least one data store, wherein data associated with the firstuser and data associated with the first maker are associated in the atleast one data store through operation of the administrator station. 23.The apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the administrator station isoperative to include in the at least one data store, data correspondingto a delay period, wherein the at least one computer operates to preventthe first user from receiving cash from the machine for a check input tothe machine prior to expiration of the delay period from when the userpreviously received cash from the machine responsive to input of a checkthereto.
 24. The apparatus according to claim 22 wherein theadministrator station is operative to include in the at least one datastore, data representative of a maximum check amount, wherein the atleast one computer operates to prevent the first user from receivingcash from the machine for checks in excess of the maximum check amount.25. The apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the at least one inputdevice includes a card reader operative to read card data included oncards, and wherein the administrator station is operative to include inthe at least one data store, data representative of card data on cardsthat are usable at a machine to receive cash from the machine responsiveto indicia included on checks read by the at least one check readingdevice.
 26. The apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the at least onecomputer is operative to include in the at least one data store, datarepresentative of checks presented by the first user at the machine, andwherein the at least one computer is operative to output at least onereport at the administrator station, wherein the at least one reportincludes information on checks presented by the first user at themachine.
 27. The apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the at leastone computer is operative to include in the at least one data store,data representative of checks presented at the machine, and wherein theat least one computer is operative to output at least one report at theadministrator station, wherein the at least one report includesinformation on checks presented at the machine.
 28. The apparatusaccording to claim 27 and further comprising a plurality of automatedbanking machines, wherein each automated banking machine is in operativeconnection with the at least one computer, and wherein the at least onecomputer is operative to output at the administrator station at leastone report, wherein the at least one report includes informationconcerning checks presented at each of the plurality of machines. 29.The apparatus according to claim 28 wherein the at least one computer isoperative to output at the administrator station at least one report,wherein the at least one report includes information on cash availableat each of the plurality of machines.
 30. The apparatus according toclaim 29 wherein the at least one report includes informationcorresponding to denominations of cash available for dispensing from atleast one machine.
 31. The apparatus according to claim 22 wherein theat least one check reading device is operative to provide datacorresponding to an image of the first check, and wherein the at leastone computer is operative to include data corresponding to the image inthe at least one data store, and wherein the at least one computer isoperative to provide the data corresponding to the image to at least onecomputer remote from the banking machine.
 32. The apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein the at least one check reading device is operative toproduce data corresponding to an electronic image of the first check,and wherein the at least one computer is operative to store the datacorresponding to the electronic image in the at least one data store.33. The apparatus according to claim 32 wherein the at least onecomputer is operative to provide the data corresponding to theelectronic image of the first check to at least one computer remote fromthe banking machine.
 34. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein theautomated banking machine further includes a device operative to markchecks as cancelled, and wherein the at least one computer is operativeresponsive to cash being dispensed from the machine to the first user tocause the device to mark the first check as cancelled.